Local officials have been in negotiations to bring in an undisclosed company to build a hyperscale data center in the county. Residents have previously voiced a number of concerns about the project, including the undisclosed identity of the developer, pollution and energy use and the conversion of farmland for industrial use.
Two months ago, local grassroots group We Are Mason County, KY, filed a lawsuit against the county and its planning commission, arguing the county’s zoning plan does not specifically address where, or how many, data centers can be built.
Hank Graddy, the group’s attorney, argued during the meeting that the project shouldn’t move forward without agreeing to a community benefits plan.
“We know they're going to benefit themselves, they're going to spend money to make themselves more money, that's what they do. That's why they're the Fortune 500, Fortune 50 company,” he said. “But what is the benefit to Mason County? And where is that in writing?”
Officials say the project is essential for Mason County’s economic development, saying it would keep the area competitive with nearby cities. The company would also fund needed infrastructure improvements.
Nick Comer is the spokesperson for the East Kentucky Power Cooperative, which operates the nearby Spurlock Power Plant.
“It offers well-paying jobs. It offers investment in this community. It offers a tax base to support schools, roads, medical services, essential services,” he said.
The undisclosed company still has final say on whether it decides to develop.
