Google hosts Botetourt County open house on new data center

Google hosted a community open house at Lord Botetourt High School in Botetourt County, Virginia, to address resident concerns regarding its new data center. The facility, announced last year, is expected to draw millions of gallons of water daily from Carvins Cove, a local drinking water supply, prompting fears about future water availability and environmental impact from many residents, including Roanoke City's Misty Dawn Vickers and Botetourt County's Sylvia Powell. Some attendees expressed their opposition through song.

Google Public Affairs Manager Clay Allsop stated that Google collaborated with the Western Virginia Water Authority on a comprehensive study of Carvins Cove and committed to funding all necessary infrastructure. He emphasized that the data center's water usage would be a mere fraction of the Water Authority's total capacity. Allsop also highlighted Google's positive community relations in other locations and the $18 million in tax revenue already provided to Botetourt County, with more expected for public services and educational opportunities, projecting over 400 employees for similar-sized data centers.

Despite Google's assurances, many of the more than 350 residents who attended remain concerned, particularly about the project's ecological footprint on local streams and habitats. Botetourt County Administrator Gary Larrowe confirmed that while some administrative permits and approvals are still pending, they are anticipated without issues. Google plans to begin site preparation in the coming months, with construction slated for early next year.