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Data Centers
The Town of Strasburg is committed to providing clear, factual information about data center projects proposed within the community. Data centers are facilities that house computer systems, networking equipment, and related infrastructure for storing, processing, and transmitting digital information. These facilities support many everyday services, including cloud storage, online commerce, streaming, medical research, emergency communications, and business operations.
Data center projects may involve significant investment, infrastructure planning, energy coordination, environmental review, and community consideration. The Town’s role is to help ensure that residents have access to accurate information, understand the applicable zoning and permitting processes, and remain informed as projects move forward.
Current proposed data center projects in Strasburg include:
Project Tallmadge
The Town of Strasburg is committed to informing residents about proposed and ongoing projects in our community. This page is intended to provide clear, factual information regarding a proposed data center project by Takanock. The following questions and answers are based on materials shared by the company and are offered here for transparency and public awareness.
Location: The proposed data center, "Project Tallmadge," is planned for an 87-acre site near Interstate 81's Exit 296 in Strasburg, Virginia, inside the Strasburg Industrial Park. This location is situated between the interstate and the Mercury Paper facility. The site was selected due to its industrial zoning, proximity to existing power infrastructure, and access to major transportation routes.
By-Right: The land is zoned industrial, so the data center use is by-right.
Additional Information: http://www.projecttallmadge.com/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a data center, and what purpose does it serve?
A data center is a facility that houses computing and networking equipment. These centers are designed to store, process, and distribute digital information. They support a wide range of everyday functions, such as cloud computing, streaming services, e-commerce, medical research, and secure communications.
2. What is Takanock’s role in this project?
Takanock is not a traditional data center operator or developer. The company focuses on energy infrastructure and works to design data center projects that integrate with existing power grids. Their stated goals include sustainable energy use, modern resource management, and community engagement throughout the process.
3. Why was this location selected?
Takanock chose the site due to its industrial zoning, proximity to fiber and energy infrastructure, access to major transportation routes (such as a highway and railroad), and location near other industrial activities. These factors are believed to help reduce the overall impact of the development.
4. What are the potential environmental impacts?
Takanock reports that third-party environmental studies have found minimal or no impacts on wetlands, endangered species, or cultural resources. The proposed facility is expected to include water-efficient cooling systems, sound-reduction measures, and cleaner energy backup systems.
5. How will the facility affect the local energy grid?
The facility is being designed to integrate efficiently with the regional power grid. Takanock indicates that, over time, the site could potentially return excess power to the grid. The facility may also use natural gas infrastructure to reduce reliance on traditional electric sources. According to the company, the energy costs associated with the project would be covered by Takanock or its future customer.
6. What kind of traffic will this generate?
Data centers generally produce less traffic than commercial developments. Construction activities will create temporary vehicle traffic. Once operational, the facility is expected to have a small number of employees working in rotating shifts.
7. Will there be noise from the facility?
A sound impact study is underway to assess noise levels. Takanock states that the location, adjacent to a highway and railroad, already experiences ambient industrial noise. The data center is expected to use sound-dampening technology to reduce the operational noise level
8. What types of jobs might be created?
During construction, the project may support hundreds of temporary jobs. Once complete, several permanent positions could be available in roles such as site operations, engineering, security, project management, and logistics. Wages for these positions are expected to exceed the regional average.
9. What impact could this have on local tax revenue?
The project could generate new property tax revenue for the community. These funds may contribute to local priorities such as schools, public infrastructure, and emergency services. The final tax revenue would depend on the completed facility's scale and assessed value.
10. What is the proposed project timeline?
Takanock began early planning and site-related activities in 2024. Additional permitting is expected later in the year, with construction potentially starting in 2027 and concluding around 2030. The company anticipates selling the site to a data center operator after securing the necessary agreements, including electricity access.