Wood Haven project in Roanoke County confirmed as potential data center, will use Spring Hollow water
The Western Virginia Industrial Facility Authority confirmed a purchase agreement with Clearview Dynamics for over 100 acres in Wood Haven Technology Park is for a potential data center. The project, backed by Roanoke, Roanoke County, and Salem, will use water from Spring Hollow Reservoir, with Clearview Dynamics covering all utility infrastructure costs. This announcement follows Governor Spanberger's executive order banning NDAs for data center projects and has sparked significant opposition from some Roanoke city leaders and community members.
The Western Virginia Industrial Facility Authority has confirmed that a purchase agreement with Clearview Dynamics for over 100 acres at Wood Haven Technology Park in Roanoke County is for a potential data center project. This announcement, prompted by Governor Abigail Spanberger's Executive Order 22 regarding data center transparency, clarifies that the site will utilize water from Spring Hollow Reservoir, with Clearview Dynamics responsible for all associated water and power infrastructure costs.
While the project is currently in a "due diligence" phase, involving engineering assessments, utility capacity studies, and environmental reviews until March, the initial purchase agreement has already generated significant controversy. Roanoke Vice Mayor Terry McGuire and Councilman Phazhon Nash have publicly expressed strong opposition to data centers, leading to accusations of breaching the city council's code of conduct from Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb.
In response to the internal conflict, the Roanoke City Council voted to establish an ad hoc professional standards committee. Community opposition was also voiced at a previous authority meeting, where requests for more information were directed to Freedom of Information Act channels. The Western Virginia Water Authority confirmed ample capacity in Spring Hollow Reservoir to support additional water usage.