Photo courtesy of Pixabay
By Matt de Simone
The major data center project in Botetourt County is moving forward after Google confirmed plans last week to develop a campus at the Botetourt Center at Greenfield, marking what local officials describe as one of the largest economic investments in the region’s history.
In a press release issued Thursday, Google said the project will focus on “responsibly build[ing] digital infrastructure through water stewardship, collaborative construction, and investment in the local community and workforce.” The facilities will support services such as Google Maps and Search while contributing to long-term economic growth and job creation.
County officials echoed that message in a separate announcement, calling the development a “transformative investment” that will strengthen Botetourt’s financial future while concentrating industrial growth in a designated area.
Google has committed to funding 100% of the infrastructure required for the campus, including water and energy systems. According to the company, power will be delivered through the regional grid, supported by a power purchase agreement tied to the Rocky Forge Wind project, Virginia’s first utility-scale wind facility.
“Whenever Google joins a new community, our goal is to drive innovation while protecting the local resources that residents cherish,” said Amber Tillman, head of data center public affairs for North America. “In Botetourt County, this means a holistic approach to development—where we take full responsibility for the infrastructure we require.”
The company also emphasized a “data-driven approach” to water usage, noting that local water quality allows for reuse within cooling systems to reduce overall demand. Google said it is working with the Western Virginia Water Authority and will fund all infrastructure needed for its operations, as well as support expanded water-quality monitoring research in the region.
Botetourt County Administrator Gary Larrowe said the partnership will provide long-term benefits for residents.
“By partnering with Google, we are securing the community and the financial future of (Botetourt County),” Larrowe said in the release. “All of this while the company pays for the energy and infrastructure required for growth.”
The county said Google purchased approximately 312 acres in June 2025 for $14 million and pledged an additional $4 million over five years toward local initiatives. The site, located within the Botetourt Center at Greenfield, is the county’s only area zoned for data centers.
Officials estimate each of the three planned data centers could generate at least $10 million annually in local tax revenue, funding priorities such as schools, public safety and infrastructure.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Mac Scothorn described the project as a “generational opportunity” that positions the county within the digital economy while preserving its rural character.
Despite the economic promise, residents raised questions during the supervisors’ March 24 meeting of the Board of Supervisors, particularly regarding security risks, environmental impacts and transparency.
In response to questions about safety, a Google spokesperson directed inquiries to the company’s online resources detailing its data center security practices but did not provide specific details about the Botetourt site. Those practices can be read about at datacenters.google/advancing-security. The spokesperson noted that Google facilities typically maintain channels for community members to submit questions once operational.
County officials said responsibility for facility security lies with the operator.
“Whether it’s a data center, a power facility or water source in the county, each industry is responsible for securing its facility,” a county representative said in response to questions. “We do not have any plans at this time to conduct separate risk assessments regarding security.”
Questions about job creation and measurable commitments were also raised. Google referred to the county’s project website for updated figures but did not specify the number of permanent jobs expected at the facility.
On environmental oversight, county officials said they will rely on the Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA) to manage water usage and design, noting that a county representative serves on the authority’s board and provides updates to local leaders.
The county confirmed that Google’s announcement signals the project is moving ahead, though a detailed construction timeline has not yet been released.
“Google’s announcement last week confirmed the company is going through with its next steps in bringing the data center campus to Botetourt County,” the county said. “We anticipate a more steady flow of information.”
Officials also said they are working with Google to organize a public information session to address community questions, following several comments at the March 24 board meeting. Prior to last week’s announcement, the project had been considered speculative, limiting the amount of information available to the public.
With the project now confirmed, both Google and county leaders say additional details are expected in the coming months as planning and development continue.
