Residents at the Arkansas-Missouri border protest data center near state park
Residents from Arkansas and Missouri protested a potential data center near Thayer, Missouri, close to Mammoth Spring State Park and the Arkansas border. Opponents cite possible impacts on water, noise, the environment and the local economy, although no developer has committed to the site and construction has not begun.
Residents from both sides of the Arkansas-Missouri border gathered to oppose potential construction of a data center on land near Thayer in Oregon County, Missouri, and close to Mammoth Spring State Park. The site has no developer or confirmed project yet, but residents say the possibility of development threatens the area’s natural character and could affect nearby farms and water resources.
Local business owners Thomas Salings and Magic Keller have advocated against the proposal, raising environmental and economic concerns. They argue that data centers could exert disproportionate influence over the county while creating relatively few jobs; landowner Charles McCullliffe has reportedly estimated the facility would bring fewer than 10 jobs. Resident Ramona Hampton also expressed concern about water use and noise because her farm is near the proposed site. Opponents are advocating for county pollution ordinances and higher taxes on potential developers in an effort to protect the community and discourage investment.