Wythe County officials on Dec. 9 outlined a proposed data‑center project in Progress Park that county staff and the Joint Industrial Development Authority say would occupy roughly 99 acres and represent more than $1,000,000,000 in private investment.

The economic‑development presentation said local incentives would be limited to existing enterprise‑zone benefits and that the county would provide an ungraded site at no cost while the company would pay grading and site‑preparation expenses. County presenters said Appalachian Power would handle electrical arrangements and that the town of Wytheville would supply water. Presenters said the company intends a closed‑loop, air‑cooled system and estimated water use at about 2,000 gallons per day.

David Manley, executive director of the Joint Industrial Development Authority, framed confidentiality as a routine requirement in competitive economic development, saying nondisclosure is necessary to protect proprietary business plans while the county balances the public interest. He said the company has offered to hold a town‑hall question‑and‑answer session for residents and staff would work to schedule and publicize it.

The presentation included fiscal estimates from a Mangum Economics study that projected more than $10 million in additional annual tax revenue beginning in 2028. County staff outlined examples of potential uses for new revenue, including school construction and public‑safety equipment.

Public comment that followed was predominately critical. CC Coffee said learning that board members had signed nondisclosure agreements had “no place in government” and called the process a ‘‘backdoor deal’’ that undermines trust. Several speakers urged a moratorium or independent engineering and environmental review, citing research and examples of data‑center expansions elsewhere. Miranda Edwards, who identified herself as having a public‑health background, warned of possible long‑term public‑health risks from backup generators and elevated emissions and asked what Solis would do to protect local water and air.

Not all attendees opposed the project. Michael Jackson said much of the social‑media reporting was misinformation and that he spoke “hesitantly in favor” of the development citing job opportunities. Officials repeatedly said some technical details remain company confidential, but emphasized utilities data and environmental oversight would be governed by Appalachian Power, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and existing Progress Park covenants.

The board did not take a vote on the project on Dec. 9. Chair said the county will share future updates on its website and social media and that the company has expressed willingness to hold a public town hall to answer residents’ questions.