The Alcoa Aluminum Company owns some land in the City of Alcoa. The land used to house one of Alcoa's manufacturing plants, called the South Plant. The South Plant has been closed for many years.

It has been reported that the Alcoa Aluminum Company is considering selling the South Plant property for use as a Data Center. Many communities across the country are not allowing data centers because of the noise they emit, the energy and water they use excessively.

Citizens in Alcoa and Blount County have spoken up and said they do not want a Data Center on the South Plant site. For that matter, it appears to be understood that citizens don't want a Data Center anywhere in Blount County.

Blount County, City of Alcoa, and City of Maryville are working together to help prevent a Data Center at the South Plant. These municipalities are working to purchase the South Plant enabling their control as to what will be replacing the South Plant.

It is understood that the Alcoa Aluminum Company left contaminates in/on the property. Thus, there are limitations as to how the property can be used. It can be remediated and redeveloped.

Note, the Alcoa Aluminum Company West Plant, now the Springbrook Farms development, is also contaminated but is being remediated as development progresses. At this site there are many restaurants, a grocery store, an apartment complex, hotels, and coming soon a healthcare facility and maybe a Costco.

If the local municipalities purchase the Alcoa South Plant property, then, hopefully, the municipalities along with local citizens will have control as to what is developed at the site.

I can only hope that the citizens of Blount County look as to what is best for Blount County. We do not need/want a Data Center.