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Residents press Bleckley County officials for answers about rumored Data Center near Eastman Highway
Summary
Residents at the Feb. 19 Bleckley County meeting pressed Commissioner Mike Davis for information about a rumored data center near Eastman Highway, asking who would approve permits, whether environmental and economic studies would be done, and how long construction might take; Davis said studies and permits would follow any purchase and estimated a multi‑year timeline.
Commissioner Mike Davis opened a public discussion after residents raised concerns about reports of a possible data center near the Bleckley–Dodge county line.
Multiple attendees, identified in the transcript as "Speaker," asked whether residents would be able to vote or be informed before land is purchased, who would approve permits, and whether independent environmental and economic studies would be conducted. One resident said the rumored property "is located a quarter mile off my front porch." Commissioner Davis replied that permitting and studies would occur once a buyer pursues the property and that utilities would be a determinative factor, noting the need for a certificate from Georgia Power.
On timing, Commissioner Davis said a typical data‑center project could be long: "It takes about 10 years," including time for power certificates and construction of substations. Residents pressed for local input on taxes, infrastructure, water quality and noise, and expressed concern that once land is deeded the decision is hard to reverse. Davis invited the public to attend the Bleckley–Dodge Joint Authority meeting for further discussion.
The meeting did not record any formal permit determinations, environmental contractor names, or a developer commitment; Commissioner Davis said studies would occur if and when a purchaser appears.
