Jasper Co. leaders, staff study infrastructure needs during yearlong data center pause

JASPER COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - Jasper County leaders say they are learning more about data centers and their infrastructure needs during the first few weeks of a yearlong pause on related applications and approvals.

The moratorium, which took effect in October, covers applications, permits, rezoning requests and financial incentives for data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and other data-processing centers in unincorporated parts of the county.

It is set to expire next October.

County Council Chairman Joey Rowell said the county has not heard from companies wanting to build a data center, but leaders want to be prepared if they do.

“Right now we’re focusing on all the ins and outs, looking at the infrastructure needs, even if a data center wouldn’t even fit into our community,” Rowell said. “We’re looking at it and gathering that information. There’s again so much out there; hopefully at the end of this we will have something more conclusive.”

Rowell said the county must determine whether its infrastructure can support a data center before considering one.

He said population growth is already placing demands on local infrastructure.

“We’re still behind the 8-ball when it comes to infrastructure, power, water, and things of that nature, especially in unincorporated Jasper,” Rowell said. “Dominion Energy, as well as the local co-ops, are trying to figure out how to service the growth that’s on the books now without data centers.”

The county’s review comes as neighboring Beaufort County considers its own pause on data center applications and approvals.