October 30, 2025
A proposed billion-dollar data center project by a Fortune 100 company in Mason County has become a flashpoint for community debate, pitting the promise of significant economic investment against growing concerns over environmental and quality-of-life impacts.
According to Tyler McHugh, Economic Development Director for the Maysville-Mason County Industrial Development Authority, the hyperscale facility planned for Big Pond Pike could bring 400 permanent jobs and over 1,500 construction positions to the area.
"As far as jobs would go, they would become if not our largest employer, definitely top three," McHugh stated, highlighting the project's potential to be a major economic catalyst. He revealed that discussions were initiated late last year after Eastern Kentucky Power was contacted to assess Maysville's suitability for such a facility.
McHugh expressed optimism that the project could spur further development, calling it "the domino that sort of gets more attention back to Mason County and Maysville."
However, the proposal faces mounting opposition from residents who cite a lack of transparency. At a recent Mason County Fiscal Court meeting, resident Max Moran voiced his apprehension. "Right now all I want is questions answered," Moran said. "At first I was for the idea of it, but with the way things have progressed, I'm more on the err of caution."
Community resistance has coalesced around an online petition titled "Save Mason County," which features the slogan "NO DATA CENTER, NOT HERE, NOT NOW, NEVER." Jennifer Setty-Botkin, involved with the petition effort, reported that over 500 confirmed county residents have signed, indicating growing local dissent.
The concerns extend beyond procedural issues to substantive environmental and health questions. Dr. Natasha DeJarnett, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Louisville, emphasized the critical need for careful planning. "Location has to be considered very carefully, health impact assessments must be required to ensure this isn't posing an additional health burden," she advised.
Residents have specifically raised alarms about potential air quality degradation, increased traffic, and noise pollution from the facility's 24/7 operations. When questioned about noise concerns, McHugh acknowledged the county would investigate but expressed confidence the issue could be managed effectively.
The Mason County Fiscal Court is scheduled to revisit the proposal at its November 12 meeting. McHugh confirmed the county is still evaluating the project's viability but has not yet disclosed the identity of the Fortune 100 company involved.
The ongoing debate in Mason County mirrors a national conversation as communities grapple with balancing the economic windfall of major industrial projects against potential environmental and social costs.
SOURCE lex18
