COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. () – Some people in Columbia County are concerned about a proposal for a new data center.

At the commission meeting on Tuesday night, project opponents expressed worries that the data center might tap into the municipal water supply for cooling purposes. In response to these concerns, Commission Chairman Doug Duncan made a closing statement.

“I want to make it absolutely clear. We will not endanger, risk, or gamble with the water table or the electric grid to make this project happen,” Duncan stated. “We will not compromise on any of those aspects in any way. Our objective is to accomplish this project without sacrificing these resources, and I wanted to make that public assurance. You have our commitment that as we proceed with this project, we are committed to protecting Columbia County.”

The next Columbia County commission meeting is set for Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Photojournalist credit: Rickey Jones, Jr.