BLAKELY, Ga. (WDNews) — Early County commissioners have unanimously approved a new data center ordinance as QTS Data Centers moves forward with plans for a massive new campus near Blakely.
Located roughly 30 miles from the center of Dothan, Ala., Blakely’s proximity makes the project one of regional interest for Wiregrass residents and businesses.
The ordinance establishes local standards for future data center developments, including requirements for water-efficient cooling systems, noise limits and a 1,000-foot buffer between any data center and nearby homes, schools or churches.
County officials said the ordinance has been in development since December. Commissioners also said they consulted with approximately 15 Georgia counties while drafting the regulations to address the unique needs of large-scale data center projects.
The new rules come as QTS Technology Services continues planning Project Blue Hole, a proposed data center campus in Early County near the Alabama-Georgia state line. The development, located on undeveloped land off Martha Berry Highway near Early County Airport, could eventually span 12 million square feet if fully built out by the end of 2035.
According to project information, planning for the campus has been underway since 2024. QTS has stated it intends to be a responsible community partner by promoting economic growth, environmental stewardship and local prosperity. The company also plans to use a closed-loop cooling system designed to improve water efficiency.
While commissioners approved the ordinance unanimously, some nearby residents voiced concerns about the potential impact the development could have on their rural community of approximately 6,000 residents.
If completed as proposed, the campus would represent one of the largest private developments in the region and a significant long-term investment for southwest Georgia, just a short drive from Alabama’s Wiregrass region.
