Good, Bad and Ugly

Opinions on data centers often vary, but one point is clear: as demand for instant digital communication continues to grow, data centers are still essential infrastructure.

The best decisions are made by analyzing the facts. Numerous speakers at public meetings have expressed concerns and given reasons for opposing data centers, while others offer support.

I want clear facts, not misinformation, about how data centers will affect Warren County and why they want to build here.

Why Warren County

• Lower property costs compared with Northern Virginia
• Availability of large tracts of undeveloped land
• Access to high-speed fiber-optic infrastructure
• Lower property tax rates

Negative Remarks about data centers

• Excessive water consumption
• Noise pollution
• Buildings are unsightly, with no windows, a concrete box.
• Visual impact on the county’s rural character
• Excessive power drain cost passed on to local residents.
• An overwhelming number of data centers in Loudoun and Prince William County
• Public Comments by potential congressional candidates that an average data center uses five million gallons a day.

Positive Comments to support data centers.

• The county is to receive the needed tax revenue of $2,458,000.
• Building the facility will increase demand for labor, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.
• Approving one data center does not set a precedent for others.
• Located in an industrial area away from a residential community.
• To generate $2 million in revenue, the county would need several hundred homes constructed, which could strain schools and infrastructure.
• Poor planning by government officials in Loudoun and Prince William Counties should not set a precedent for Warren County

 The proposed application for the data center is to be found at Rockland Road. List the following.

• The fire department is found directly across from the proposed data center.
• No tax exemption clause
• The Town of Front Royal has approved a water usage limit of 3,095 gallons per day.
• The developer proposes to construct an on-site electrical substation.
• A buffer zone along Route 522 consisting of twenty-four acres.
• The site is surrounded by existing industrial development.
• Electromagnetic emissions will be contained within the structure.
• Total gross revenue to Warren County is $2,458,000
• Employment of high-paying technical electronic personnel

Whether utility companies pass the cost of data centers’ high power use on to residents is a decision for the utility provider, not the data center. Those costs should be assigned to the party responsible.

Water conservation is important. However, the proposed data center’s projected water use should be considered alongside that of the RSW Regional Jail, whose operations and water costs are funded by tax dollars and are exempt from taxes. The jail uses six times as much water as the proposed data center.

Warren County recently increased real estate taxes by 18%, and another property reassessment is scheduled for 2027.  The Fire Department is in the process of hiring additional fire and safety personnel, county schools need roof replacement, and a recent need for a chiller replacement at one of the elementary schools all require revenue.

No new industries or businesses are currently scheduled to locate in the county. It is unclear whether revenue from tourism, cigarette, and plastic bag taxes will meet future needs, which suggests taxes may continue to rise.

No one wants Warren County to become like Prince William County. However, without new industries, local real estate prices could soon rise to similar levels as those in Prince William County.

How much of a tax increase are you willing to accept?

John Jenkins
South River
Warren County, VA

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