Plans to build a massive data center in Coosa are gaining traction, thanks to strong endorsements from local leaders, including the Floyd County Schools superintendent and the Rome-Floyd Development Authority.

The proposed 2.5 million-square-foot facility would sit on more than 200 acres of unused land off Vann Road, right beside Coosa Middle School. Superintendent Glenn White voiced his approval at a recent Rome-Floyd Planning Commission meeting, saying he believes the project will have a positive impact on the school system and the broader community.

“I wouldn’t support it if I thought it posed any danger to our students,” White assured the board. “But I truly believe it’s a benefit for everyone involved.”

The development, spearheaded by Atlas Development of Carrollton, would consist of seven high-security buildings to house servers. The data center could potentially generate up to $50 million in annual tax revenue for Floyd County and its school system, according to Brandon Bowen, the company’s attorney. Bowen noted that demand for data centers is skyrocketing across the country, and Floyd County is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend.

The final decision on whether the project moves forward will be made by the Floyd County Commission, which is scheduled to hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. on May 27 at the County Administration Building on East Fourth Avenue.

If approved, each of the buildings would employ around 20 people, with average salaries of $120,000, offering a significant economic boost to the area.

At the planning commission hearing, nearby residents expressed concerns about potential downsides, including increased traffic, noise, light pollution, environmental impacts, and a natural spring running through the property. Bowen and his team addressed those issues during the meeting, and the commission ultimately voted 4–3 in favor of rezoning the property for heavy industrial use.

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A new 114 acre data center looks to be on its way after the Floyd County Board of Education is expected to sell the land behind Coosa High School.

According to reports, the land will sell for $40,000 an acre.

The Floyd County Board of Education approved the sale of the land through the development authority during its Nov. 26 meeting.

By selling the property it will allow for taxes to now go back to the county.

This marks the second data center land purchase in Floyd County since October 2023 when Microsoft announced plans to built on Huffaker Road.

Speculation had called for a “Coosa Elementary School” to be built on the property.