Jefferson County Council advances ERA designation for former proving ground, sparking intense public debate over proposed data center

Jefferson County Council members on April's meeting approved a declaratory resolution (2026-010) to designate land at the former Jefferson County Proving Ground as an Economic Revitalization Area (ERA), a procedural step that preserves the county's ability to consider major development projects. The resolution sets a public hearing for May 12 at 5:30 p.m. for final action, and council members emphasized tonight's vote is not a final decision on any specific project.

The chair, Dwayne May, opened the item by reading the resolution and the relevant state statute, citing Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-1 and related sections. "This is the a part one of two parts," he said, and reminded the public that "we will not officially ratify this until we hear from the public at the next meeting." After reading the recitals and calling for a motion, council members voted by voice; the motion passed with one recorded abstention during the roll call.

Why it matters: proponents and local economic-development supporters have framed an ERA as a way to preserve the county's options for large-scale investment and to support projects such as a proposed data center or campground redevelopment at JPG. Opponents and residents told the council they want more specific, written guarantees about utility use, environmental protections and tax impacts before the county takes additional steps.

What was discussed: public speakers raised technical and environmental questions about a proposed data center that residents said may use large amounts of electricity and rely on closed-loop cooling. "What will the monthly kilowatt hour power draw of this thing be? How much of that power will be derived from renewable sources?" asked resident Elijah Chandler. Chandler also asked how much water the facility would use, whether closed-loop cooling would require additional treatment for the area's high water hardness, and whether local electric rates could be protected from increases.

Supporters at the meeting circulated figures reported in a local op-ed and project materials—claims that the development could create roughly 300 jobs and generate up to $60 million in annual tax revenue, and that the plan could include nine buildings totaling 7.1 million square feet. Council members and other speakers made clear those figures were presented by proponents and media reporting, not as verified county findings. Council and staff said ERA designation itself does not commit the county to approving a particular project; it opens the statutory path under state law so proposals can be fully reviewed.

Process and next steps: the council stressed that next month's May 12 public hearing is the formal opportunity for extended public comment and for the council to take final action. The chair said the county will post Exhibit A (the map and legal description of the ERA) and other supporting materials on the county website ahead of the hearing. Technical, environmental and zoning review would proceed through the Board of Zoning Appeals and permitting processes if a developer files specific proposals.

Claims and concerns recorded at the meeting included possible impacts to wetlands and groundwater, the risk of closed-loop system leaks, noise and light pollution, potential costs to county fire protection and public-safety services, and worries that promised community benefits might not transfer if project ownership changes. Proponents said the project's infrastructure upgrades would be paid by the developer, that closed-loop cooling reduces wastewater discharge, and that nonprofit contributions from local landowners would benefit community programs.

The council adjourned the item by restating that tonight's adoption is the declaratory step and inviting residents to submit questions and attend the May 12 hearing. "Please consider the source on some of this stuff," Chair Dwayne May said, urging people to contact councilmembers directly with questions rather than relying on social media. The council will reconvene May 12 to hear the public record and vote on whether to confirm, modify or rescind the resolution.