Multi county resolutions of support for data centers bolster Southwest Virginia’s emerging data center recruitment efforts
~ Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson and the City of Norton Each Approve Resolutions Encouraging Data Center Recruitment in Southwest Virginia ~
A significant development in Southwest Virginia's emerging data center recruitment efforts has unfolded as multiple counties have come together to express their collective support for attracting data centers to the region. With a shared vision of fostering economic growth, the counties of Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson and the City of Norton (Membership of the Lonesome Pine Regional Industrial Facilities Authority) have passed resolutions highlighting their commitment to welcoming data center investments.
The adoption of these multi-locality resolutions sends a strong message to the business community and industry leaders, emphasizing the unique opportunities and advantages available in Southwest Virginia. The region boasts a competitive workforce, robust infrastructure, and a favorable business climate that make it an ideal location for data centers seeking to expand or establish operations.
Data centers play a pivotal role in today's digital landscape, serving as critical infrastructure for the storage, processing, and distribution of vast amounts of information. Recognizing the immense potential of this industry, the collaborative efforts of Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson and the City of Norton aim to position Southwest Virginia as a premier destination for data center investments, capitalizing on the region's strategic location, reliable power supply, and competitive cost structure.
"We are thrilled to witness the proactive collaboration between the Lonesome Pine Regional Industrial Facilities Authority members in promoting our region as a prime location for data centers," said Duane Miller, Executive Director of the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission. “These combined efforts reflect a shared commitment to fostering innovation, creating jobs, and boosting economic development. By leveraging our strengths and resources, we are confident that Southwest Virginia will become a hub for cutting-edge technologies and a driving force in the digital economy," said Miller.
Previously during the Spring of 2021, the Lonesome Pine Regional Industrial Facilities Authority members also announced an agreement on what is one of the Commonwealth’s lowest regional property tax rates on data center equipment. The member localities implemented a tax rate of $0.24 per $100 of assessed value with a favorable depreciation schedule, taking into account the capital cost of equipment and frequency of server replacement.
“These resolutions of support combined with the previously adopted regional data center equipment tax rate, competitively position the region for data center development not only throughout the Commonwealth, but across the nation,” said Will Payne, Managing Partner of Coalfield Strategies, an advisor to the LPRIFA on data centers. “Furthermore, InvestSWVA’s Project Oasis in coordination with the Energy DELTA Lab has created the blueprint for arguably the most innovative and energy efficient data center hub in the world, leveraging vast tracts of land that can provide security, on-site clean energy generation and abundant 52-degree water contained in former underground coal mine cavities.”
As Southwest Virginia positions itself as an attractive destination for data center investments, the collaboration between Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson and the City of Norton serves as a model of regional cooperation and highlights the strength of partnerships in driving economic growth. The united support from these counties demonstrates a shared vision and determination to make Southwest Virginia a premier technology hub, attracting investments, creating high-quality jobs and fostering a vibrant and prosperous community.
Established in 1969, the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission is authorized under the Virginia Regional Cooperation Act to serve as one of the twenty-one planning district commissions in the Commonwealth of Virginia. LENOWISCO serves the Counties of Lee, Scott, Wise and the City of Norton.
