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Commissioner reports Ohio’s data-center boom, flags local trade-offs
Summary
Commissioner Bennett summarized a one-day Ohio Township Association conference: Ohio hosts 217 data centers and is a leading U.S. hub; benefits include private investment and well-paid jobs, while concerns center on water use, noise, tax abatements and local service impacts.
Commissioner Bennett reported from a recent Ohio Township Association conference and briefed the board on trends around data centers.
Bennett said Ohio now has about 217 data centers and ranks fifth in the U.S.; Columbus is a major hub. He summarized the economic case—large private capital investments and significant projected contributions to state GDP—while noting local concerns: heavy water use by some facilities, noise, limited permanent jobs relative to construction and operations, and generous tax abatements that reduce local tax receipts. Bennett said the conference discussed mitigation such as reusing loop cooling systems to reduce water consumption and the limited local authority to impose moratoriums (a 12-month limit was mentioned).
Commissioners acknowledged the potential benefits and trade-offs and said the county should watch developments and consider local planning responses where appropriate.
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