What is Botetourt County?
This independent analysis examines the proposed Google 'Project Raspberry' data center campus in Botetourt County, Virginia, using publicly available information as of July 2026. It provides a factual, unaffiliated look at fiscal impact, water supply and rates, electricity rates, noise, and environmental concerns. The report is designed to inform public discussion and decision-making for residents without advocating for or against the project.
How does the fiscal impact analysis work?
The report models a directional range of net fiscal impact over 10 and 20 years, showing scenarios from cautious to optimistic. It simulates 10,000 runs varying major uncertainties like the number of buildings, equipment refresh, water-project costs, and the County's share. This simulation helps residents understand potential outcomes rather than providing a single prediction.
What are the key fiscal figures mentioned?
The analysis highlights that the County's largest water costs are projected to arrive later, specifically within a 20-year window. It notes that the County's annual general revenue budget is around $99M, providing context for the scale of potential impacts. These figures are used to frame the discussion on infrastructure risks and fiscal benefits.
What are the water supply concerns?
The report states that the proposed data center campus would require 8 MGD of water demand at full buildout, compared to the current residential use of approximately 7 MGD. This represents an 8 MGD increase in demand, which is a significant factor in the water supply and rates analysis. The analysis also notes that Carvins Cove reservoir capacity is around 69% amid dry conditions as of June 2026.
What environmental and noise issues are covered?
The analysis explicitly addresses noise from cooling systems and generators as a primary community concern. It also examines environmental impacts including wetlands, air emissions, land use, and drought resilience. These factors are presented alongside the potential fiscal benefits to provide a balanced view.
How is the report structured and what are its core features?
The analysis is compiled entirely from public information and is not affiliated with Google, Botetourt County, the Western Virginia Water Authority, or any agency. This independence is a stated feature of the report. It aims to present the best available data without bias.
Who created this analysis?
The report was made by David Voight, a resident of Botetourt County. It is described as an independent, public-information effort. The author states the purpose is to provide clear, sourced information to inform public discussion and decision-making.
What do news and Reddit say about the project?
Some users on Reddit say the analysis makes it easy to submit comments to the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the hyperscale data centers. Others note that the Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance was formed to push back against the planned data center. These external sources highlight the community engagement aspect of the project.
How can I access the full report?
The report is available for download as a PDF. It includes a disclaimer that it is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to consult qualified professionals and official County/WVWA sources for decisions affecting public policy or personal finances.
What are the specific details of the proposed campus?
The analysis covers a 10-year and 20-year timeframe, noting that the County's largest water costs arrive later. It also mentions the 3 data center buildings, each ~300,000 sq ft, on 343+ acres. These specific details are part of the scenario analysis.
What is the official website of Botetourt County?
The official website of Botetourt County is botetourtdatacenter.org.
How is Botetourt County rated on Trustburn?
On Trustburn, Botetourt County has a rating of 3.4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews.
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