Commission releases draft moratorium language
GEOFFREY WOEHLK/THE FORUM
Nodaway County Administration Center building
MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Nodaway County Commission on Thursday released a draft copy of a data center moratorium order and ordinance expected to be passed next week.
The draft ordinance lays out what information the commission is looking for during the six-month moratorium period. That period may be extended another six months if necessary. Specifically mentioned are:
- Quantities of energy and water used by a data center facility
- Effects on the local electric grid
- Potential light and noise impacts
- Effects on local drainage patterns and on stormwater runoff and discharge
- Potential economic effects of light, noise, utility strain and stormwater runoff and discharge on adjacent property and surrounding areas
- Similar effects of any associated power plants
- Emergency response considerations and plans
“The County’s responsibility is to make decisions with all the facts in hand, with adequate time for review and public understanding,” a news release from the commission stated. “A temporary moratorium gives the Commission, residents, stakeholders, and the developer a clearer process for addressing these issues in a fair and orderly manner.”
During the moratorium period, the commission will “meet with residents, affected property owners, developers, utility providers, consultants, and other stakeholders, to receive and review additional information and proposals, to evaluate available legislative and regulatory options, to negotiate and evaluate proposed development-related agreements and other contractual arrangements, and to consider whether appropriate safeguards may be established” through regulations or contractual agreements, according to the draft ordinance.
“The County Commission understands that the proposed data center and related infrastructure project may represent a significant economic development opportunity for Nodaway County,” the news release stated. “At the same time, the project raises important questions regarding water supply, electrical capacity, utilities, roads, construction impacts, stormwater, environmental effects, emergency response, noise, light, public health and safety, and potential public participation through Chapter 100 bonds.
“The Commission believes those issues should be reviewed carefully and transparently before the County makes long-term commitments or adopts project-specific agreements. The proposed moratorium provides a temporary period for due diligence — not to prejudge the project or target any developer, but to give the County, the public, and the developer time to work through the issues together. During the moratorium, the County remains willing to meet with the public and developer, review additional information, evaluate proposed agreements, and consider whether appropriate safeguards and terms can be developed.”
The draft order and ordinance released Thursday has not been finalized. The commission expects to pass the final ordinance on Tuesday, July 21. The draft ordinance language states that the final version will be printed and made available for distribution and run in a local newspaper for three successive weeks.
