Google’s plan to build a data center campus at the Botetourt Center at Greenfield is the capstone of 25 years of economic planning and development for Botetourt County. This facility, which will be built in the industrial park, will generate millions of dollars in tax revenue for Botetourt County, lessening the tax burden of residents and helping to fund needed public projects soon to include school facilities.
Data centers are the engine behind the technological conveniences that have revolutionized our day-to-day lives, and Botetourt will be home to part of that technological innovation.
The investment in data centers has substantially enriched and improved society. Conveniences that many of us take for granted today including most apps and services on your smartphone are made possible by data centers. As these modern capabilities have been woven into the fabric of our lives, the demand for data centers to make them possible has grown.
As a result, it’s not a question of if or when data centers will be built — it is merely a question of where. Our county officials have done an excellent job demonstrating to Google why Botetourt County is uniquely positioned to host this facility. Most residents won’t even know the data center is there, as it will be tucked in the back of Botetourt Center at Greenfield, where numerous manufacturing plants already exist. The new tax revenue to come can fund vital public services, including schools, first responders, law enforcement and other critical public operations.
Without this new tax revenue, Botetourt would have to increasingly turn to businesses and residents to fund necessary capital improvements and provide needed services which are clearly coming with an aging population and deteriorating school facilities. We will also have a new corporate citizen, a connection to the new technology economy, new high-wage technology jobs, excellent internet connectivity and reliable energy as infrastructure funded by Google will be made to ensure reliability of the new data center.
In spite of common misconceptions surrounding data centers and their impact on electrical rates, a study from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission determined data centers pay the full cost of service. Securing the facility and investment for Botetourt County simply means residents will enjoy substantial benefits by way of funding for capital improvements and services.
Congratulations to current county officials for making this project happen and to former county officials for having the foresight of making the Greenfield complex and infrastructure investment possible.
John Williamson is a former Botetourt County administrator, a former Buchanan District supervisor and currently chairman of RGC Resources. He lives in Botetourt County.
