Franklin County Board of Supervisors Work Session 10/21/2026

The Franklin County Board of Supervisors held a work-session panel discussion on October 21, 2026, to learn about data-center development; the chair stated that no proposals were currently before the county. Panelists discussed potential economic benefits and community impacts, including tax revenue, jobs, housing pressures, road damage from construction traffic, land competition, and the importance of siting facilities in appropriately buffered industrial areas. They also addressed electricity and water demands, cooling options, utility capacity, and the need for regional water-supply planning. As examples from elsewhere, a panelist cited Appalachian Power’s proposed $200-million-plus infrastructure upgrade near Daleville to serve a Google project and described long-term utility contracts and financial protections intended to ensure large customers bear the costs of required upgrades; these were not Franklin County actions or approvals.

No Franklin County contracts, bids, vendor selections, or spending allocations were considered, and no procurement-related motions or votes were taken. The board approved the agenda and closed-session motions. Panelists also noted a Virginia law effective July 1 requiring noise studies for data-center applications requiring a special-use permit, along with possible state proposals and guidance that could affect future local review. The board said it would review the information and consider whether further meetings were needed; residents were invited to submit feedback.