PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors voted Wednesday morning to approve the proposed Prince William Digital Gateway.
The proposed plan would transform more than 2,139 acres of land along Pageland Lane to fit 27 million square feet of data centers. There have been numerous rallies and much controversy with public comments from both sides.
The vote followed a lengthy meeting and public comment period that began Tuesday night and stretched into Wednesday morning. The board finally voted to move forward with the plan by a vote of 5-2 around 10 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Opponents worry about the impact a large data center will have on the rural landscape. They're concerned about water quality, noise levels and access to power.
"It is not environmentally progressive to destroy your watershed or your hallowed ground," said Elena Schlossberg Tuesday night. She's part of the Coalition to Protect Prince William County.
The public hearing started at 7:30 p.m. Prince William County officials tell WUSA9 that more than 240 people signed up to speak in person. They say 137 signed up online to speak. Each speaker receives three minutes to have their voice heard.
Public comment began at 10:36 p.m. on Tuesday. It was still going on into the early morning of Wednesday.
Many of the board members posed questions and raised their own concerns, for hours.
"You can say that without digital gateway we can get to 48 million square feet without even needing digital gateway," said Prince William County Board Supervisor Jeanine Lawson.
Supporters say it'll boost the economy through tax revenue. Prince William County Public School Chairman At-Large Dr. Babur Lateef has said schools systems gain up to $50 million a year in revenue from existing data centers
"Think about all the revenue Prince William County is going to collect and how we'll be able to prosper," said Dale City resident David Woofin.
Despite concerns from opponents, the planning commission approved to move the plan forward in September.