Commissioners deadlock on proposed amendments to data center EDA
Halifax County commissioners deadlocked on proposed amendments to an economic development agreement with Quiet Data Centers Halifax for an AI data center in Enfield Industrial Park. The amendments aim to address public concerns regarding environmental impact, water/power consumption, and community benefits before a looming September 18 land closing deadline. The board will now await feedback from the company on a revised agreement, with a potential special meeting to continue discussions.
Halifax County commissioners recently deadlocked on proposed amendments to an economic development agreement (EDA) with Quiet Data Centers Halifax (QDCH) concerning a planned AI data center in the Enfield Industrial Park. The company, or its related entity Project Halifax LLC, intends to build on 251 acres, with a September 18 closing deadline approaching.
Commissioner Gary Redding led efforts to introduce several additions to the agreement, pushing for clearer stipulations on environmental and public health assessments, megawatt output, water consumption, and noise levels. Residents, along with Enfield Mayor Mondale Robinson, have expressed significant concerns, demanding transparency on environmental impacts, a community benefits agreement for workforce training and local investment, and higher-wage jobs than the currently proposed $20 per hour. County Attorney Glynn Rollins incorporated some of these public concerns, gathered from an August 25 information session, into the amendments. These include compliance with the (still pending) Ratepayer Protection Act standards for site assessments, water-minimizing cooling systems, and electrical service contracts protecting other customers. The revised agreement would also prohibit property transfers without county consent and require Project Halifax LLC to assume joint liability for meeting investment, job creation, and wage targets.
Despite the public and commissioner concerns, Commissioner Thomas Barrett emphasized adhering to the original September 18 deadline, while Commissioner Chenoa Davis praised the data center as an "awesome opportunity" for Halifax County and believed the amendments were fair and addressed citizen concerns while honoring contractual obligations. Commissioner Sammy Webb supported adopting the amendments immediately, a motion that led to a 3-3 deadlock, preventing the amendments from advancing. County Attorney Rollins warned that breaching the existing contract could lead to legal action by QDCH, compelling the county to sell the property as agreed upon last December.