Barber County approves Google data center
The Barber County Commission approved a 1.7 million square foot Google data center near Sharon, Kansas, with a 2-0 vote. The decision, which included limitations on distance from residents, sound, runoff, and water use, was met with confrontation by some community members.
The Barber County Commission voted 2-0 to approve a 1.7 million square foot Google data center near Sharon, Kansas. The contract, finalized in an executive session, includes stipulations on the project's distance from residents and city limits, as well as limitations on sound, runoff, and water use.
One commissioner abstained from the vote, which was met with applause, while the two commissioners who approved the deal faced confrontation. Security was heightened for the meeting by the sheriff's office and police department. A resident involved in the confrontation stated plans to run for county commission against one of the voting commissioners due to the project's proximity to his home. KAKE News will provide further updates on this story.