Bullitt County passes 1-year pause on data center development

SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Bullitt County Fiscal Court passed a one-year moratorium Tuesday that will temporarily halt consideration of new data center projects while officials develop regulations for future information technology development.

No new data center projects can now be considered in the county for the next year.

Bullitt County Judge Executive Jerry Summers said Monday that there is "no appetite" for a data center in Bullitt County. He said the infrastructure — namely water and electric — is already stressed and couldn't support a data center right now.

Before the county would even consider such a project, the 12-month pause would allow for proper research on development while the county also reworkings its comprehensive plan. Officials are working to create strict regulations for IT development projects.

Fiscal court members could vote to end or extend the moratorium at any time, and Summers believes the one-year moratorium is a proactive approach to an issue communities around the country are grappling with.

The measure would only effect unincorporated areas of Bullitt County, but cities could adopt the moratorium. Summers believes most, if not all, would follow the county's lead.

The city council is likely to adopt the moratorium at its July 27 meeting.