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Commissioners approve road closure to support Data District development; officials flag energy, water and infrastructure concerns
Summary
The court approved a requested road closure to permit site work for a large Data District development spanning unincorporated county land and nearby cities; commissioners raised questions about infrastructure, power demands and local economic trade‑offs for data‑center projects.
Commissioners approved a requested temporary road closure to allow utility and road upgrades needed for a large Data District development along Van Road and Mason Road. County staff and the developer representative said the closure is intended to make site upgrades required by the project.
Why it matters: the Data District development is a sizable industrial land use expected to attract data‑center investments. Commissioners and staff discussed potential regional consequences, such as large electrical and water demands from data centers and the need to balance that demand with manufacturing and job‑creating uses.
County staff said pre‑development meetings have been held with affected municipalities to time and limit the duration of closures and to coordinate upgrades. The developer representative said the closure will be staged to minimize community disruptions.
Discussion: Commissioner Daniel and others asked that the county ensure infrastructure capacity and seek to avoid incentive outcomes that primarily export power and provide few local jobs. Commissioners noted that the county must coordinate water and electricity capacity and consider whether battery facilities and other large‑scale energy infrastructure might be required to serve data‑center loads.
Decision: The court approved the road‑closure authorization for the developer to proceed with upgrades. County staff said the item only authorized a temporary closure and that developers must still secure any required permits and utility commitments.
Ending: County officials said public works and economic development staff will continue coordinating with cities and the developer to clarify infrastructure plans and impacts and to report back on utility capacity and economic benefits.
