A data center in Roanoke? Mayor approached about the possibility, city working on moratorium
Roanoke, Alabama, is considering a one-year moratorium on data centers after Mayor Adam Melton was approached about a potential $45 million data center project. The city council wants to study the potential impacts on infrastructure, including power and water supply, and draft a carefully worded ordinance. The mayor believes the city's current infrastructure cannot support a large hyperscale data center.
Roanoke, Alabama, is contemplating a one-year moratorium on data center development following an inquiry from Tom Gorter about constructing a $45 million facility on Country Club Road. Mayor Adam Melton presented Gorter's request for a letter of support to the city council, expressing reluctance without a direct in-person presentation from Gorter, who resides in Tennessee. The council concurred, desiring an in-person pitch before considering any support.
However, the primary action discussed by the council is the implementation of a moratorium. Mayor Melton indicated that the city's current infrastructure, particularly its power load and water supply from Crystal Lake, is likely insufficient to support a hyperscale data center. The council is collecting examples of moratorium ordinances from other municipalities to draft its own, aiming to carefully word it to avoid unintended restrictions on essential services like schools or local industries.
The proposed moratorium, expected to be ready for a September vote, would provide the city a year to research the ramifications of data centers, including utility rate impacts and power consumption limits. Mayor Melton has already consulted with Alabama Power, confirming the infrastructure limitations.