Data center expansion raises concerns in Dumfries and Woodbridge
Prince William County is considering proposals for up to 12 new data centers near residential areas in Dumfries and Woodbridge, sparking significant community opposition due to concerns about noise, traffic, and environmental impacts. Separately, a legal battle over the Digital Gateway project near the Manassas battlefield is heading to the Virginia Supreme Court, and state budget negotiations are stalled over data center tax breaks.
Prince William County's Board of Supervisors is currently reviewing proposals for as many as 12 new data centers, primarily in the eastern part of the county near neighborhoods, schools, and parks in Dumfries, Woodbridge, and Forest Park. Residents, particularly those in the Four Seasons 55-plus community in Dumfries, expressed strong opposition, citing concerns over noise, increased utility bills (electric and water), traffic, and a decline in quality of life. One resident, Cindy, showed how close the proposed data centers would be to her home, stating that the project would ruin the community and force residents to move.
The proposed developments include six data centers and two substations near the Four Seasons neighborhood, four massive data centers at the edge of Prince William Forest Park, and two near Colgan High School's athletic field. While supporters emphasize economic benefits and technological demand, opponents, including those who have observed impacts in Loudoun County, feel that Prince William County is becoming overburdened. The Board of Supervisors is divided on data center growth, with roughly half supporting and half opposing it; however, county leaders declined to comment on these specific proposals. The projects are currently in their early stages, with potential public hearings to follow.
In addition to the local developments, the report touched on two statewide data center issues in Virginia. A years-long legal effort to build the Digital Gateway project near the Manassas battlefield is potentially heading to the Virginia Supreme Court, after being struck down by a state court of appeals. Developer QTS is expected to appeal the decision. Furthermore, state budget negotiations in Richmond are stalled over the continuation of tax breaks for data centers. Democrats controlling the state government are divided, with Governor Abigail Spanberger and House members favoring the tax breaks for business growth, while state senators argue that the industry is mature enough to pay its fair share, potentially generating an additional $2 billion.