Virginia Court to Hear Appeal on Digital Gateway Project Near Manassas Battlefield
Six advocacy groups are contesting the Digital Gateway project near Manassas National Battlefield Park in Virginia, arguing it would cause irreparable harm to the historic site. A county judge previously blocked the project due to improper public notification by the Prince William County Commission.
The Virginia Court of Appeals is set to hear the county's appeal on February 24. The groups assert that the development would lead to significant environmental damage and alter the character of the battlefield, which hosts the historic site of two Civil War battles.
The project includes plans for 37 data center buildings and 14 substations, described as industrial activity that would consume substantial resources. The Prince William County supervisors approved rezoning 2,100 acres for this purpose in December 2023, which has faced legal challenges from local associations and the American Battlefield Trust, citing failures in environmental consideration and public notice requirements.
