John Wahl calls for transparency and local control after Lowndes County approved a 20-year data center abatement

The Lowndes County Commission approved a 20-year tax abatement for Project Red Clay, a proposed data center development spanning more than 1,000 acres near Burkville, in a 3-2 vote on Oct. 13. The project is backed by Nvidia, although its eventual tenant has not been identified. Campaign documents cited by Republican Alabama lieutenant governor nominee John Wahl estimate the state and local tax incentives could be worth about $2.79 billion over two decades.

Wahl criticized the process after residents were unable to speak before the vote and called for stronger transparency, accountability and local control over major data center developments. Opposition has included a petition with more than 1,000 signatures and billboards, while the county commission is scheduled to hold a special meeting on the project. Wahl also urged officials to consider residential proximity, private property rights, water and power infrastructure, and long-term community impacts when evaluating such projects.