Data center opposition meets in Fort Deposit

Residents of Fort Deposit, Alabama, gathered for a town hall meeting on May 8 to oppose a proposed data center development by Cloverleaf Infrastructure in nearby Burkville. Organized by social media influencer Gwen Johnson, the meeting aimed to unite and inform citizens about the potential negative impacts of the project. Jeff Berry, a Lowndesboro resident with 36 years of experience in the data center industry, criticized Cloverleaf Infrastructure for downplaying environmental and health concerns while overstating job creation. He described data centers as a "digital equivalent of toxic waste" and accused developers of exploiting underserved communities with false promises of employment, noting that specialty construction jobs typically go to out-of-state contractors. Fort Deposit Town Attorney Arlene Richardson highlighted the importance of public participation in Lowndes County Economic Development Board meetings, where the project originated. She also raised concerns about illegal "secret meetings" held by the board, citing the Alabama Open Meetings Act. Attendees voiced significant worries about utility usage, particularly the proposed data center's demand for 100,000 gallons of water per day, which Pintlala's Water Board confirmed it could not fully supply. Lowndes County Sheriff Chris West inquired about legal recourse. Berry confirmed that litigation is the "next step" for opponents, emphasizing the need for unified community opposition and financial resources to fund a legal challenge against the development.