Putnam County residents propose resolution over Google data center

Residents of Putnam County, West Virginia, presented a resolution to the county commission regarding Google’s proposed data center in Buffalo. The resident group, Putnam United, is calling for the evaluation of data centers based on criteria beyond mere financial impact, citing concerns over potential health effects and the actual extent of local economic benefits.

Google announced plans for the facility in March and recently initiated a “first wave” of investments in the Buffalo community, including funding for local schools, a senior center, and the volunteer fire department. While Google has launched a website to increase project transparency, community members spent over three hours discussing their concerns with commissioners during a recent meeting. A town hall-style discussion with the community is expected to be scheduled by Google in the future.