Stafford County postpones data center project hearing after county staff urged denial
Stafford County postponed a Planning Commission hearing on four proposed Kings Corridor data center projects after county staff recommended denying most of the applications. The projects face strong opposition from nearby residents concerned about farmland, noise, views, water supplies, the Rappahannock River and impacts from substations.
Stafford County postponed the Planning Commission hearing for the Forest Lane, Simms Farm, Sisson North and Sisson South data center applications from Oct. 14 to Nov. 18, 2026. County staff recommended denial of the projects as currently proposed, citing conflicts with the county’s comprehensive plan, agricultural and rural land designations, locations outside the Urban Services Area and the proposed number of substations.
The projects, collectively known as the Kings Corridor Technology Campus, would span more than 1,500 acres near Route 3 and the Rappahannock River. Attorney Charles Payne, representing the developer, said the development could generate about $245 million annually for the county, invest more than $80 million in water infrastructure and use treated wastewater for cooling. Nearby residents continue to oppose the plans, citing concerns about noise, property values, rural character, well-water impacts, environmental damage and the river, while the developer works with county staff to revise the applications before the rescheduled hearing.