Pulaski County delays final data center moratorium vote until fourth Tuesday in July
Pulaski County leaders have postponed a final vote on a proposed data center moratorium until the fourth Tuesday in July. The decision comes after debates on the measure's impact on economic development and concerns over potential power and water use limitations. The Quorum Court is seeking independent expertise before making a final decision.
The Pulaski County Quorum Court has delayed a final vote on a proposed moratorium for new data center development until the fourth Tuesday in July. The decision was made following an extensive debate among county leaders regarding the moratorium's potential impact on economic development.
Initially, the Quorum Court had approved a moratorium two weeks prior, but a vote miscount invalidated the decision. During Tuesday's meeting, JP Patricia Young-Baker introduced an amendment aimed at clarifying Pulaski County's pro-business stance, particularly addressing concerns over power and water use restrictions. However, Jack Thomas, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Little Rock Regional Chamber, urged the court to reject the proposal, citing its detrimental effects on economic development.
Despite the proposed amendment, questions about the moratorium persist. JP Steven Person requested independent expert advice to address lingering concerns before a final vote is cast. Consequently, the Quorum Court opted to postpone the decision, allowing time to gather additional information on the restrictions for future data center development.