Bowling Green, Warren County host public forum on data center protections

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Transparency and community protections took center stage Tuesday night as Bowling Green and Warren County leaders hosted a public information session focused on future data center development and the safeguards already in place.

Held at the Knicely Conference Center, the event brought together local officials, utility providers, planning and zoning representatives, and economic development leaders to answer questions directly from residents about how data center ordinances could impact the community.

The public forum comes as Warren County continues shaping regulations aimed at managing any potential future data center projects before formal proposals are ever brought forward.

Warren County Judge-Executive Doug Gorman said the county’s approach is centered on preparation and public involvement.

“We’re excited to have a great turnout,” Gorman said. “If you want to live in a great community, you have to do something about it.”

Gorman pointed to what he called some of the strongest planning and zoning restrictions in the country, saying those measures are designed to protect residents while still staying within legal boundaries.

Bowling Green City Commissioner Sue Parrigin echoed that message, saying the restrictions were crafted specifically to safeguard the community.

“These protections are in place to protect our community,” Parrigin said. “They’re the toughest and most strict in the country.”

Much of the discussion focused on balancing economic development with concerns over water usage, electricity demand and long-term infrastructure impacts.

Warren RECC Senior Director of Communications and Public Relations Kim Phelps said utility providers were on hand to answer questions about how large-scale developments could affect electric rates and grid capacity.

“We’re here answering questions about electricity, rates and any concerns the community may have,” Phelps said.

South Central Kentucky Young Republicans Vice President James Carey said he believes the county has taken a practical approach.

“I think the county has largely done a good job of restricting where and how it can be built,” Carey said.

Warren County 3rd District Magistrate Rick Williams said the proactive process is key to avoiding future complications.

“What we’re trying to do is be proactive and protect the citizens of Warren County,” Williams said.

Not everyone believes the work is finished.

Barry Brown, a candidate for Warren County’s 3rd District magistrate seat, said while the ordinances are a step forward, he believes additional time may be needed to strengthen them further.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” Brown said. “The question is, have we done a good enough job?”

County leaders emphasized that no data center project is currently planned for Warren County, but say the purpose of the forum was to ensure residents have accurate information and a voice in the conversation if one ever does come.

Officials say the focus remains on strong standards first — and keeping the public informed every step of the way.