Fort Smith Board of Directors set to discuss regulations for data center development
The Fort Smith Board of Directors is set to discuss new regulations for data center development, including potential requirements for water usage and board approval for projects. This discussion is prompted by a local director's concerns about the city's regional water supply amidst a statewide data center boom. The proposed regulations aim to establish a framework for future data center projects in the city.
The Fort Smith Board of Directors is scheduled to review potential regulations for data center development on Tuesday, following a request from Director Kevin Settle. The discussion aims to introduce additional requirements beyond an October 2023 ordinance that allowed data centers in certain industrial zones. Proposed regulations include enhanced setbacks, public utility capacity certifications, water usage reports, noise studies, and potentially requiring board approval for every data center development plan.
Director Settle specifically voiced concerns about the city's role as a regional water supplier, stating he wants the board to approve data centers that might heavily rely on the city's water system, even if located outside city limits. City staff has recommended following the process for zoning code text amendments if the board pursues these additional requirements. Currently, no data center projects are known to be in or near Fort Smith.
This local discussion occurs amid a statewide boom in data center construction, with five projects announced in Arkansas, including Google's $1 billion facility in Pulaski County and Serverfarm's $6.6 billion project in Clarksville. Local governments are navigating a state law, Act 851 of 2023, which prohibits outright bans on data centers. Recent developments in other Arkansas cities include a failed moratorium vote in Little Rock, and new ordinances or discussions in Fayetteville and Crawford County regarding data center preparedness.