(Chatham) — The company that proposed a large power plant and data center complex in the Chalk Level area has pulled their application, but their CEO says they’re not ditching the idea.
In a Monday afternoon statement, Balico, LLC CEO Irfan Ali said they would make changes to their plan that they believe will address many questions posed at two community meetings. Ali says they will present a new proposal at a later date.
“We have been greatly encouraged by the support of local business leaders for the creation of a world-class campus for data centers in Pittsylvania County,” Ali said. “They recognize the transformative economic impact that this project, which includes a dedicated power source, could have on the region, especially its potential to generate millions for education, recreation, and public safety while also keeping property taxes low for residents across the County.”
The original plan called for a 350-megawatt gas-fired power plant fueled by the nearby Mountain Valley Pipeline that would have supplied power to dozens of data centers that would have been built on 22-hundred acres of land in the Chalk Level community.
“The project will also create hundreds of good-paying, high-tech jobs that will remain in the community long after construction has finished,” Ali added. “Nearby Mecklenburg County is a great example of the direct tax revenue increases and economic benefits generated by data center development.”
Last week, Banister Supervisor Robert Tucker, in whose district the campus would have been built, told a crowd of concerned citizens that the entire Board of Supervisors was opposed to the rezoning request.
Showcase News is told that the new request will focus only on the power plant and a handful of data centers.
“Our team welcomed the opportunity to hold two community engagement meetings last week and answer questions from neighbors,” Ali said. “Based on those discussions, we have identified assorted changes to our plan that we believe will address many questions posed and, at the same time, improve our proposal.”
Photo courtesy Balico, LLC