​​Oral arguments tentatively set in Simpson County data center lawsuits

FRANKLIN, Ky. (​WNKY) — Two lawsuits tied to a proposed data center development in Simpson County moved forward in court Monday, with tentative dates now set for oral arguments later this in this summer.

One case involves TenKey LandCo’s ongoing lawsuit against the Simpson County Fiscal Court over whether the county can regulate the proposed project within Franklin city limits. The second lawsuit was filed by local citizens challenging county actions connected to the project and related ordinances.

During Monday’s proceedings, the court continued addressing procedural matters in both cases.

Tentative oral argument dates were set for Monday, July 20, in the citizens lawsuit and Thursday, Aug. 6, in the TenKey lawsuit against Simpson County.

Simpson County Judge-Executive Mason Barnes said after the hearing that several legal issues still remain before the cases reach their core arguments.

“We’re looking forward to getting into the oral arguments part of it,” Barnes said. “We feel pretty good about where we stand in this matter, and we look forward to the process moving forward.”

Following the hearing, TenKey attorney Kathryn Eckert issued a statement on behalf of the company.

“We appreciate the Court’s continued consideration of procedural matters and the motions presented in both cases,” Eckert said. “On behalf of TenKey LandCo, we look forward to the next steps.”

Both lawsuits remain pending in Simpson Circuit Court.