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Supervisors discuss data‑center planning; board seeks ordinance and caution
Summary
Supervisors debated whether to pursue an ordinance or moratorium to govern potential data‑center projects, stressing local review of water, power and land‑use impacts and calling for careful, expedited study rather than an open moratorium.
Supervisors spent substantial time discussing community readiness for potential data‑center development and whether the county should adopt an ordinance or moratorium.
Supervisor S2 told the board, “We’re trying to build an ordinance to protect folks’ property,” arguing the county needs rules in place before a developer arrives. S2 and other supervisors cited concerns including water usage, electricity demand, site stewardship, and the county’s ability to negotiate protections and benefits if a data center proposes to locate in Crawford County.
Board members referenced other counties’ experiences — Loudoun County’s dense cluster of centers and nearby Woodbury County’s moratorium — and agreed the county should gather information from peer jurisdictions and move cautiously. S2 said the board does not yet know whether a data center would be overall beneficial or detrimental and emphasized the value of negotiating terms if one moves forward.
No ordinance or moratorium was adopted; supervisors directed staff to continue research and bring back recommendations so the board can act with more information at a future meeting.
