Informational meeting held on data center

AVAIO Digital held a two-hour informational meeting on August 17 at Prince Edward County High School, Virginia, to address community concerns regarding its proposed $5 billion data center at Heartland Innovative Technology (HIT) Park. Company officials, including Kevin Murphy, Jason Jurado, and John Malone, explained the project's scope, which includes five buildings, on-site power infrastructure, and could generate 2,000 construction jobs and 150 permanent positions. They acknowledged community apprehension about data centers but stressed the project is in early planning stages, "several years away from any groundbreaking," and is an opportunity to "start a dialogue."

Residents submitted 111 questions covering topics such as zoning, water usage, air quality, environmental impact, electricity costs, and noise. AVAIO representatives clarified that while the current zoning is "by-right," the project still requires county approval. They outlined plans for a closed-loop water system using municipal water, minimizing discharge, and addressing noise and light pollution with buffers and dark-sky compliance. Murphy stated AVAIO would bear all power-related costs and impact on the grid, providing Dominion Energy a $250,000 deposit.

Concerns were also raised about the potential effect on property values, land impact, and transparency regarding the county's relationship with AVAIO and potential developer incentives. Company officials denied providing donations to public officials but acknowledged nondisclosure agreements might be required. They confirmed environmental studies had not yet begun but would be mandated and conducted by independent third parties. Despite AVAIO's assurances, some attendees challenged the idea that potential grants or rebates for the company would not ultimately be taxpayer-funded.