Discussion on the data centers at the regular Nodaway County Commission meeting Thursday focused on the breaking news that two new centers were looking at locating in Nodaway County as well as public reaction to the data centers.
There have been calls for a unified town hall attended by the Rural Water District Board, the Nodaway County Commission, and the Maryville City Council. Scott Wilson told the Nodaway County Commission that he was seeking to organize another town hall; he previously organized one in Barnard.
Irene Alexander, a teacher who taught for 44 years, including 16 at South Nodaway, responded to a letter published by the Maryville Forum referring to opponents of the proposed data center as a minority of angry conspiracy theorists. She cited a recent ABC News report saying that only 14% of the public supported data centers. She said it could apply to Josh Hawley, who has demanded answers regarding data centers, cited quality of life issues, and is working with unlikely ally Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts who has been a favorite scapegoat in Republican circles. Ms. Alexander said she was concerned about water issues and, “We didn’t choose to have them come here.”
Kim Swyers repeated Facebook founder Mark Zuckerburg’s comment about moving fast and breaking things. “Think about the children,” she said, citing children who might not know how to navigate social media. Recently, a man from Scotland was accused of making a special trip to Chillicothe to stalk a boy who he met on Xbox as well as the boy’s family.
Susie Strauch reported that one data center rep approached United Electric, who advised them that they were not paying to hook them up and that their customers didn’t need to pay that kind of expense. Commissioner Scott Walk said that Missouri law does not allow large users to pass on costs to electric customers.
Nodaway County Economic Developer Josh McKim talked about the two new potential data centers who had reached out to his office. One was consultant who sent a questionnaire, while another rep had reached out to his office.
Mike Wilson said that the fact that the Scale project had so many acres meant that they were planning to expand at some point.
Nina Wiederholt asked if there was a way to fast-track zoning in the county. Commissioner Bill Walker said they would look into it. “We could get it in fast, but the problem is enforcement,” said Commissioner Chris Burns.
Tim Schafer expressed concern about formaldehyde, which could result in hundreds of tons of emissions into the atmosphere and which can burn. “There are better ways to maintain turbines,” he said.
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