Maysville, Kentucky, Residents Concerned Over Secretive Hyperscale Data Center Proposal

Maysville, Kentucky, is in discussions with a Fortune 100 company to develop a hyperscale data center on thousands of acres of farmland. The town's planning commission held a public hearing to address residents' concerns about the project's secrecy, as non-disclosure agreements have limited information on its environmental impact and the company involved.

Local officials assert the center will create jobs and improve water infrastructure, aiming to reverse decades of population decline. However, farmers and advocacy groups are worried about potential environmental consequences, including high water and electricity consumption.

The East Kentucky Power Cooperative plans to increase energy capacity by 2.2 gigawatts for the center, which could exceed the town's total energy needs. The Sierra Club is advocating for written agreements to ensure community benefits and environmental studies. Town officials hope to finalize the project by June.