Microsoft wants to build a data center in Gaines Township and is working to acquire residential properties along 76th Street as data center interest grows across Kent County.

Data centers, which house large numbers of computer servers, are part of a rapidly growing sector due to the complex computing needs of the internet and AI, an Assembly memo states. Recent estimates show at least 4,000 data centers are operating in the United States, with many more planned for construction, including a site in Wrangell.

Lisle was forced to take legal action to halt construction at a data center after the company that operates the facility failed to comply with a stop-work order from the village. Village officials

Augusta County staff is working on a draft ordinance on data centers, but policy specifics are not yet available.

Virginia lawmakers are split on a data center sales tax exemption worth $1.9B last fiscal year. Teachers and trade unions are on opposite sides of the debate.

The proposed $150 billion data center, which would be accompanied by a power plant upgrade and major tax breaks, has drawn mixed feedback.

Kings Mountain City Council has approved a six-month moratorium on new data center permits. The pause allows city staff time to study the impacts of data centers on utilities, noise, and design standards. Council members expressed concerns over the unknown effects on the city's power grid and water supply.