Community Protests Flint Hills Digital Campus in Downtown Emporia
Members of the Emporia community protested the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus, expressing concerns over its environmental and water impacts. Opponents are calling for a moratorium on the project, advocating for an independent environmental impact study. The city of Emporia's Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the matter.
Members of the Emporia community staged a protest at the intersection of Sixth and Commercial against the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus in downtown Emporia. Protesters held signs and urged drivers to honk in support of their opposition, expressing concerns about the project's potential environmental impact and water consumption.
Audreey Yowell, a protester, criticized the speed of the development process and the perceived lack of community communication, emphasizing that the project would be detrimental to the environment, particularly regarding water usage.
Jay Vehige of Emporia Neighbors United highlighted concerns about the proposed superscale data center, planned for 1,000 acres, citing the presence of nesting eagles and endangered plant species. Vehige's group is advocating for a moratorium on the project until a third-party environmental impact study can be conducted. The community is also reportedly working on creating four petitions with other localities facing similar data center proposals. An upcoming public comment session is scheduled for June 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the William L. Civic Auditorium during a City of Emporia Planning Commission hearing, where residents can voice their concerns.