Letcher County Fiscal Court July 20, 2026

The Letcher County Fiscal Court meeting held on July 20, 2026, primarily focused on community concerns regarding the proposed data center project in the Gateway Industrial Park, a regional park shared by multiple counties. Public comments highlighted environmental and health concerns, including water usage, noise pollution, and potential impacts on local wildlife and tourism. Several speakers called for transparency, public hearings, and a regional environmental assessment before proceeding. The court responded by passing a two-year moratorium on the data center project to allow time for further study and community input. Additionally, the court approved procurement actions including the purchase of heavy equipment under grant funding, awarded bridge repair contracts to Westwood Pressure Washing, and approved a laser tag system for the local recreation center to generate revenue and create jobs. Budget and tax settlements were also reviewed and approved. The meeting reflected a balance between addressing community environmental concerns and advancing infrastructure and economic development projects.