Botetourt County supervisors approve independent study amid Google data center water debate

The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors held a contentious meeting on Tuesday night, addressing widespread public concern over the potential water supply impacts of a proposed Google data center. Residents protested outside the county administration building, and the meeting room was packed, with an overflow room opened to accommodate those waiting to speak. During hours of public comment, many residents expressed deep concerns about water availability, urging supervisors to ensure sufficient water for all residents.

Many speakers advocated for the board to follow the planning commission's recommendation for a public forum, viewing it as an opportunity to rebuild trust and provide transparency regarding the data center's impact on the county's water. Residents stated they felt a loss of trust due to the ongoing debate.

However, instead of approving a public forum, the supervisors made a 3-1 decision to establish an independent commission. This commission will conduct a study to evaluate the proposed Google data center's impacts within Botetourt County.