Question 1

What exactly has been announced?

Accepted Answer

Google is proposing to build a $1 billion, 500,000 square-foot data center on Gallia Pike in the Franklin Furnace area of Scioto County. This property is north of the Haverhill North Coke Company, and west of US Route 52. This project is still very early in the planning process.

Question 2

What is a data center and why do we need them?

Accepted Answer

Data centers are highly secure physical facilities that keep the modern digital economy running. Learn more at https://datacenters.google/. They house the servers that power everyday tools like email, video streaming, and search engines and provide reliable, resilient infrastructure to keep critical local services—like hospitals, schools, and emergency responders—operating without interruption.

Question 3

How will this project economically benefit Southern Ohio?

Accepted Answer

Projects of this size create thousands of long-term construction jobs and hundreds in permanent operational roles for the community. This means skilled trade workers in Southern Ohio won't have to drive to Columbus or West Virginia for opportunities. For every job directly at a Google data center, 9 additional jobs are created in the wider community. While direct operations staff are specialized, hundreds of local vendor jobs in maintenance, security, landscaping, HVAC repair, electrical work, and construction trades are also supported.

Question 4

How will this project support our local community?

Accepted Answer

This facility is expected to become one of the largest taxpayers in the region, generating significant new local tax revenue that can help support local schools, infrastructure improvements, emergency services and community programs. Google has committed to paying $500,000 annually as a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes). The Scioto County commissioners are still discussing how this funding will be distributed and used. Google has a robust community program investment, which includes funding for STEM education, community grants, and local workforce development initiatives. Many data center communities get a STAR program, where Google partners with local organizations to train more people in the skilled trades. STAR graduates go to work in the data center industry. Learn more at https://www.ohiotechnews.com/google-star-program-graduates-latest-cohort/.

Question 5

Will this data center increase my monthly utility bill?

Accepted Answer

We pay for the electricity we use, pay to connect our facilities to the grid, and help cover the cost of shared grid upgrades needed to support new energy demand. We've also signed the Trump Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which helps ensure existing customers are not unfairly burdened by new large-load development.

Question 6

What impact will the facility have on our water supply?

Accepted Answer

Google's site plans for Project Dazzler are being developed in coordination with local authorities. We are not utilizing water for cooling in this phase of the project. Any potential water usage for future expansion will be managed through the local water authority, ensuring it adheres to the same high treatment standards that our neighbors in Franklin Furnace rely on for their homes and businesses. Google is utilizing a climate-conscious, data-driven approach to minimize its environmental footprint and responsibly use natural resources. Learn more at https://datacenters.google/operating-sustainably/ and https://datacenters.google/water/. This includes a responsible water use commitment anchored by a comprehensive assessment of the local environment, ensuring every cooling decision is driven by data to minimize the environmental footprint and a long-term commitment to replenish 120% of the water it consumes.

Question 7

Will this announcement cause a lot of light and noise pollution?

Accepted Answer

Google's goal is to design data centers to be as quiet and efficient as possible, often exceeding industry standards for light industrial zones. Google data centers produce noise levels comparable to an office building. Before construction, ambient noise levels are measured for multiple days and nights. All Google data centers meet local noise ordinances and follow a good neighbor policy. Design mitigation includes use of the newest, lowest-noise equipment, design adjustments near residential areas, and sound walls, building setbacks, and equipment shielding. Learn more at https://www.datacentercoalition.org/cpages/faq#noise.

Question 8

Why is this a good project for our community?

Accepted Answer

Google's proposed $1 billion data center in Franklin Furnace will create economic growth, make Scioto County a vital piece of the digital economy, and position the region as a hub for next-generation digital infrastructure and advanced industry. Technology growth and protections for taxpayers can go hand-in-hand. This project can be accomplished with Google ensuring it pays its fair share and protecting local residents from shouldering the building and operational costs.

Question 9

Will Project Dazzler impact the historic cemetery in Franklin Square?

Accepted Answer

No, Project Dazzler will not impact the historic cemetery. The site plan has been specifically designed to ensure the cemetery remains untouched and preserved. Project operations are confined to areas outside of the cemetery boundaries, and the development plan includes strict protections to ensure the cemetery and all gravesites remain undisturbed throughout the life of the project.

Question 10

Will Project Dazzler withdraw water from or discharge waste water to Ginat Creek or the Ohio River?

Accepted Answer

No, Project Dazzler will not directly withdraw water or discharge waste water to Ginat Creek or the Ohio River. We are not utilizing water for cooling in this phase of the project. Potable water for office and employee usage will be supplied by Portsmouth Water. Wastewater will be treated by the Scioto County Sewer District at the Wheelersburg wastewater treatment plant. This phase of Project Dazzler will use the same water and wastewater suppliers as other homes and businesses in Franklin Furnace. Any potential water or wastewater usage for future expansion will be coordinated and managed through the local water and wastewater authorities.

Question 11

Will the project fill within the flood plain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the project will place fill within the 100-year floodplain. A floodplain fill permit has been issued by the Scioto County Floodplain Administrator. This permit allows the project to place fill within the 100-year floodplain. As a condition of the floodplain fill permit, a floodplain study was conducted. The study followed the standards of FEMA and the US Army Corp of Engineers. The results of the study showed that a No-Rise condition to the 100-year floodplain elevation at the FEMA lettered floodplain cross sections of Ginat Creek that reside within the project boundary. Additionally, no fill is being placed within the floodway of the Ohio River.

Question 12

How will the project manage stormwater runoff from the project area to Ginat Creek?

Accepted Answer

A permanent stormwater detention basin will be installed east of Gallia Pike. All stormwater runoff to the east of Gallia Pike will be directed to this detention basin. The basin will collect, temporarily store, and slowly release stormwater to Ginat Creek at the pre-development release rate. The basin will also allow for the settlement of sediment and debris from the stormwater runoff before discharging to Ginat Creek. The pre-development drainage areas to the preserved wetlands will be maintained. During construction, sediment basins will be installed throughout the project disturbed areas, on both sides of Gallia Pike. Sediment basins allow for sediment to settle out of stormwater runoff before discharging to waterways, such as Ginat Creek. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) has been developed for the project for erosion and sediment control. The project complies with the State of Ohio Rainwater and Land Development manual and Scioto County stormwater regulations. The project also has been granted a Stormwater General Construction Permit from the Ohio EPA. The project complies with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) as mandated by the 1972 Clean Water Act.

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