Citizens Continue Opposition to Data Centers

Citizens in Pulaski County, Virginia, expressed continued opposition to a proposed data center campus in the Commerce Park during a recent Board of Supervisors meeting. Key concerns revolved around a performance agreement between the Virginia's First Authority and New River Valley, LLC, which citizens like Steven Prescott alleged had strong ties to Northern Virginia data center interests through Castle Rock NRV, LLC. Prescott questioned the Board's focus on data center training over citizen engagement.

Hazel Wines and other residents pressed the Board on unanswered questions and raised doubts about the project's economic benefits, citing a projection of only 40 jobs over an eight-year period. Betsy Mabry, a local real estate broker, voiced worries about declining property values for residents living near the proposed 475-acre site, and the ethical dilemma it poses for real estate agents regarding disclosure. Tim Vela, Suzanne Dehart, Leah Wietrzykowski, and Candace Long highlighted environmental concerns, specifically regarding potential increases in water and electricity usage, escalating utility rates, and the impact on local resources during a drought.

Chairman Walters responded to the public's comments by defending the Board's research and training, stating that much of the opposition was based on "misinformation and very old technology information." She asserted that modern data centers use significantly less water and generate substantial tax revenue, which could help lower real estate taxes for citizens.

County Administrator Jonathan Sweet clarified that the Commerce Park is the only site under consideration and pointed to the existing Red Sun indoor growing operation within the park as an example of advanced water conservation technology. Sweet emphasized that the state has robust legislation to ensure environmental protection for large consumers of water and electricity, urging citizens to trust that their interests would be protected.