By Katie Russell
Tucker County residents need a seat at the table when it comes to economic development plans, especially one as big as Fundamental Data’s Ridgeline proposal. Without that, we’re at risk of being overrun by out-of-state companies—and billionaires—that care far more about making a profit than about addressing the needs of those who live here. That’s why we formed Tucker United, a non-partisan group of Tucker County residents and visitors who support thoughtful, long-term economic development plans that benefit the entire county.
We all love Tucker County. Whether we’re hunting, fishing, biking, hiking, enjoying the dark skies, or spending time with our neighbors, we live in a beautiful and special place. Let’s create opportunities to enjoy and preserve the rivers and landscapes we love while bringing in revenue for the county and providing residents with good, highpaying jobs.
Fundamental Data’s proposal is a poor economic development plan that is proceeding at a startlingly fast pace. The Virginia-based company plans to build a massive gasand diesel-fired power plant less than two miles from our homes, businesses, and elementary middle school. Thirty million gallons of diesel will be stored on site. The company, which has no prior experience building power plants or data centers, told the Wall Street Journal that the plant will power a 10,000-acre data center complex—the same size as 7,575 football fields or 4,000 Walmarts.
The power plant and data center complex will choke the air with toxic pollution and mar the beautiful landscape that is the reason so many people live in and visit Tucker County. This type of power plant is well known to release toxins into the air that cause cancer and respiratory diseases. Nowhere else in the US is there such a large-scale power plant so close to residential areas.
Throughout the country, people who live near data center complexes are already seeing increases in their electric and gas bills. Some data centers use more than 1 million gallons of water per day to cool their systems. Considering Davis and Thomas both experienced water shortages in the past two years, we don’t have this water to spare. Our water should go to people—not to warehouses of computers owned by out-of-state interests. The project is expected to strain our infrastructure (including emergency services and roads) and negatively impact our existing economy.
Representatives from Fundamental Data refuse to meet with or provide information to Tucker County residents, as seen by the heavily redacted air permit and multiple refusals to visit the county and discuss the project. This is unacceptable. There are better paths forward that will benefit Tucker County residents while not compromising our health or local economy.
Our state legislators also overstepped Tucker County residents by passing House Bill 2014 that takes away the ability for residents and our local elected officials to shape the development or operation of power plants and data centers. The power plant and data center complex will drastically change our community and economy, yet we aren’t allowed to have a say. Rural Appalachian communities, including ours, are now left voiceless in development decisions that deeply affect our livelihoods, health, and future.
Making matters worse, the money generated by the Ridgeline facility will go straight to Charleston, with Tucker County receiving just 30% back. Fundamental Data has not given us any guarantees about the number of jobs created, how much they’ll pay, and whether they’ll actually go to Tucker County residents. Based on what we know from the construction and operation of other power plant and data centers, companies bring in their own construction crews from out of state and hire remote workers to operate the facilities.
Let’s not bow to empty promises of a few jobs and a fraction of tax revenue. The tradeoff is a profound negative impact on our health and economic well-being that far outweighs any possible benefits. Let’s work together to devise a solid Tucker County economic development plan that values our health, provides good jobs, preserves the places we love, and doesn’t divert money to Charleston.
Tucker United doesn’t just stand united in opposition to the proposed power plant and data centers. We stand united for honesty, transparency, and good economic development that preserves our natural resources and takes into account the wishes and concerns of all the people who live here. We are committed to bringing our community together, with open and respectful dialogue, so we can learn from one another and build a future that supports Tucker County residents and our children for generations to come.
Learn more at www.tuckerunited.com, and please join us at a community potluck to talk about this issue and share ideas for what you’d love Tucker County to be in the future. The potluck is on October 12 from 12–3 pm at the Thomas Community Center. We will also be gathering on October 23 from 5:30–7:30 pm at the Tucker County Courthouse in Parsons.
