Timeline of Google Data Center Development in Botetourt County, Virginia
Google purchased over 300 acres in Botetourt County, Virginia, for a data center campus in June 2025. The project has faced opposition, with community members attending public open houses. The development proceeds amidst local concerns, including water availability during drought conditions.
In June 2025, Botetourt County announced that Google had acquired more than 300 acres in the Botetourt Center at Greenfield business park with plans to develop a data center campus. The project has been moving forward since then, with more details emerging over the past year.
Community opposition has been noted, with opponents gathering outside Lord Botetourt High School during a public open house hosted by Google on June 17, 2026. This event provided information to residents regarding the proposed development.
The context of water scarcity has also been highlighted, with images of the Carvins Cove Reservoir, Western Virginia Water Authority's largest water source, shown amid ongoing drought conditions in July 2025, suggesting potential environmental considerations for the large-scale development.