WAMEGO (KSNT) — A proposed data center in Pottawatomie County drew a large crowd of residents during an open house hosted by Georgia-based Beltline Energy in Wamego on Wednesday, May 6.
The company is exploring plans for a data center project in the county, an idea that has surfaced in multiple Pottawatomie County Planning Commission meetings in recent months.
During the open house, representatives from Beltline Energy outlined potential economic benefits of the proposal, including increased tax revenue and high-paying construction and operations jobs.
However, many residents attending the meeting voiced strong opposition to the project, citing concerns about water use, environmental impacts, noise and light pollution.
Community members gathered throughout the evening to ask questions and share concerns about how the proposed development could affect the area in the long term.
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Johnny Evans, a Wamego resident, said he was struck by the level of unity among attendees.
“Whether you’re left or right, I’ve seen this community divided on multiple subjects over the years, but I’ve never seen a community more united than I have tonight, and that was impressive,” Evans told 27 News.
Amber Starling, another resident, said the proposal could have impacts beyond Wamego and Pottawatomie County.
“I have heard a couple of people say, ‘Well, if you don’t live in Wamego, then this doesn’t affect you.’ And the answer to that is that’s objectively false,” Starling said. “The Flint Hills Aquifer is all of our aquifers, and aquifers do not give a solitary single care about our county lines.”
Representatives from Beltline Energy repeatedly told attendees they have not purchased land for the project. Company officials also said the proposed facility would use non-potable water in a closed-loop cooling system.
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