Graphic courtesy of Botetourt Co.
By Matt de Simone
In response to growing public concern and ongoing questions about the proposed Google data center project, Botetourt County has launched a new website and video series aimed at providing what officials describe as clear, factual information about the development.
County leaders announced the new online portal (https://www.botetourtva.gov/1021/Google-Data-Center) this week through social media, saying community members have raised a range of questions about the potential project and its impacts.
“There has been a lot of conversation and many questions surrounding the proposed Google data center project,” the county said in its announcement. “Access to clear, factual information is important.”
The new portal, at botetourtva.gov/google, includes information about the project timeline, projected economic value, water and environmental considerations, infrastructure needs and potential community impacts. Officials said the site will be updated regularly as more information becomes available.
Botetourt County Communications Director Brent Watts said the effort builds on earlier outreach.
“We first launched an FAQ page in June 2025, shortly after the initial Google Data Center Campus announcement, to provide straightforward answers to more common questions,” Watts said. “As interest and conversations grew, we recognized the need for a more comprehensive, organized resource. By breaking the information down into key topics of interest – water, electricity, environment and economic benefits – we’re helping residents quickly access the topics of greatest interest. This site also gives us a dedicated location to continue sharing updates and ensure information remains accessible and factual.”
The proposal involves a data center campus for Google, one of the world’s largest technology companies. While details of the project are still under review, the prospect of a large-scale data center in the county has prompted both support and opposition among residents.
Some citizens have voiced concerns about water usage, environmental impacts, traffic and strain on public infrastructure. Others have pointed to potential tax revenue, job creation and broader economic development opportunities.
Asked how the county will ensure the information posted is balanced and transparent, particularly regarding unresolved issues such as water usage and infrastructure impacts, Watts said additional documents have already been posted.
“This will be the portal for new information.,” Watts explained. “We have already added several documents to the new site, including the Google Performance Agreement, Water Supply Infrastructure Agreement, and Utilities Services Funding Agreement. These are documents that have been requested the most.
“Water usage has been a major talking point for citizens, and we fully anticipate that, as the project progresses, we will learn more from Google about the methods they’ll use to cool the data center, along with sustainability efforts and energy efficiency.”
County officials said the new website will address both confirmed details and areas where information is still being developed.
“Sharing what we don’t know yet is just as important as what we do know,” the county previously stated in the initial release.
In addition to written updates, the county is introducing a video series intended to explain key elements of the proposal and respond to frequently asked questions. Officials said they are actively reviewing recent questions submitted by residents and will continue adding answers and updates in the coming weeks and months.
The proposed data center has been the subject of significant discussion at recent public meetings, drawing large crowds and lengthy comment periods. As the review process continues, county leaders say the goal of the new platform is to centralize accurate information and reduce confusion.
Watts said the website also provides a way for the county to gauge what information residents are seeking, though formal input will continue through established public channels.
“Citizens can attend board member town halls and speak during Board of Supervisors meetings,” Watts added. “In addition, the website questionnaire helps us understand what information residents are looking for so we can keep improving the resources we provide on the website.
“Because this is a first-of-its-kind project and technology for our area, we know there will be questions, and our goal is to help residents understand what to expect specifically from this data center campus at the Botetourt Center at Greenfield, rather than relying on assumptions and articles based on projects elsewhere across the state and country.”
No final decisions have been announced regarding the project. County officials have encouraged residents to visit the new portal and stay engaged as discussions move forward.
