The Soul of Botetourt County and a Dangerous Path

Botetourt County is at an important moment in its history.

The possibility of multiple data centers coming into our community raises serious questions about how we balance economic development with protecting the natural resources and rural character that define this county.

Growth is not inherently negative. Thoughtful development can strengthen a community and provide opportunity. But projects of this scale deserve careful, transparent evaluation — particularly when they involve long-term demands on water, land, and infrastructure.

Data centers are often described as “clean industry,” yet they require significant electricity, land, and water while creating relatively few permanent jobs compared to other forms of development. While construction activity can bring temporary employment, long-term staffing at large data centers is typically limited relative to the size of the investment and infrastructure required.

Many residents remain concerned about transparency around water planning. The Western Virginia Water Authority recently lost a court case requiring the release of records related to water planning for large-scale industrial users and is now pursuing an appeal. Situations like this highlight why public access to information is essential when decisions could affect regional resources for decades.

Water is not an abstract issue in Botetourt County. Many families depend on private wells, springs, and groundwater systems connected to the same hydrology that supports Carvins Cove, one of the primary drinking-water sources for the Roanoke Valley. Carvins Cove depends on rainfall, tributaries, and groundwater movement through fractured rock formations. Large-scale industrial withdrawals raise understandable questions about long-term sustainability, particularly during drought conditions.

Another concern is the discussion of potential alternative water sources to support future industrial demand. Developing new water supplies — whether through expanded reservoirs, new pipelines, or other infrastructure — could require significant public investment. Large regional water projects often cost tens of millions of dollars or more, raising questions about how such infrastructure would be funded and what role local taxpayers might ultimately play.

Energy infrastructure is also part of this conversation. Apex Clean Energy’s Rocky Forge Wind project on North Mountain — Virginia’s first onshore wind farm — is moving forward in Botetourt County. The project illustrates the scale of infrastructure required to meet growing regional electricity demand, including demand from large technology facilities. It also raises an important community question: Do we really want futuristic energy infrastructure altering our mountain views in the name of powering large industrial data centers?

Botetourt County is not Northern Virginia. Our infrastructure and water resources are different, and decisions about large industrial projects should reflect those realities.

Before projects of this magnitude move forward, residents deserve clear information, independent analysis of water impacts, and open public discussion about long-term infrastructure and environmental considerations.

Community engagement matters. Attending Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission meetings, asking questions, and staying informed are essential parts of local government.

The future of Botetourt County should be shaped deliberately, transparently, and with careful stewardship of the resources that make this place home.

-Chad Bean
Botetourt County