STAFF REPORT
GlasgowNews1
Kentucky Industrial Alliance LLC has issued a public statement addressing the growing controversy over its proposed data center project in Cave City, as legal action challenges the city’s 12-month moratorium on new developments.
In its statement, the company pushed back on speculation about ownership structure, denied the existence of undisclosed partners or NDAs with public officials, and said the project has been pursued in accordance with existing I-2 heavy industrial zoning.
It also addressed environmental, groundwater, and karst geology concerns, arguing that impacts should be evaluated through engineering, science, and regulatory review rather than assumptions.
The following is the unedited statement from Kentucky Industrial Alliance LLC
”Over the past several months, there has been significant discussion regarding the proposed data center project in Cave City and Barren County. We understand that residents have questions, and we believe those questions deserve clear and factual answers.
Kentucky Industrial Alliance LLC is owned solely by Mike Jones, Jared Whitworth, and Joey Crist. There are no other owners. Contrary to popular rumors and pure speculation, there are no shell companies, undisclosed ownership interests, or similar ownership arrangements associated with Kentucky Industrial Alliance LLC.
We would also like to address rumors regarding NDAs/Non-Disclosure Agreements. We can confidently state that no elected officials, city officials, county officials, planning officials, consultants, or members of local government are parties to any NDA or Non-Disclosure Agreement with Kentucky Industrial Alliance LLC.
Questions have also been raised regarding potential conflicts of interest involving public officials, project participants, and individuals who have spoken publicly on matters related to this project. From the beginning, Kentucky Industrial Alliance LLC has sought to operate transparently and in good faith. As part of that effort, we voluntarily disclosed potential relationships and connections involving public officials and guest speakers so those matters could be evaluated openly and appropriately. Our objective has always been to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in the process.
We would also like to address questions regarding zoning and land use. Kentucky Industrial Alliance LLC did not seek special treatment, special zoning, or exceptions to existing regulations. The property was already zoned I-2 Heavy Industrial under regulations adopted by Cave City. Kentucky Industrial Alliance LLC pursued development opportunities based upon the zoning and land-use regulations that were already in place at the time of investment.
Property owners, businesses, and developers routinely rely upon existing zoning regulations when making significant financial investments. Our intent has always been to comply with applicable laws, follow established procedures, and work within the framework that existed before this project was proposed.
Questions have also been raised regarding groundwater, cave resources, sinkholes, and the region’s unique karst geology. The proposed facility is designed around a closed-loop cooling system intended to minimize water consumption and avoid the large-scale water withdrawals commonly associated with some data center developments. Any future project would remain subject to applicable environmental regulations, engineering standards, and permitting requirements.
The owners of Kentucky Industrial Alliance LLC collectively own, operate, or lease more than 4,000 acres of agricultural land and maintain substantial business, agricultural, and property interests throughout the region. Our families, businesses, investments, and livelihoods are directly connected to the long-term success of south-central Kentucky.
As landowners and farmers, we understand the importance of protecting the natural resources, groundwater, and quality of life that make this area unique.
Agriculture has been an important part of this region for generations and has successfully coexisted with environmentally sensitive resources throughout the area. At the same time, modern agricultural operations, like all land uses, involve fertilizers, nitrogen, phosphorus, herbicides, pesticides, fuel, lubricants, and other materials that must be responsibly managed, particularly in areas characterized by sinkholes, groundwater recharge features, and karst geology.
Our purpose is not to criticize agriculture. Rather, we believe environmental discussions should be grounded in facts and evaluated consistently across all land uses. If concerns are being raised about potential impacts to groundwater, cave systems, cave shrimp, and other sensitive resources, those discussions should consider existing land uses as well as proposed land uses and should be based upon scientific evidence, engineering analysis, and measurable environmental impacts.
The question should not be whether development occurs. The question should be whether development can occur responsibly while protecting the natural resources that make our region unique. We believe that answer should be determined through science, engineering, and objective review—not assumptions or speculation.
Questions have also been raised regarding noise and vibration. Modern industrial facilities utilize proven engineering methods to reduce noise and vibration impacts, including vibration isolation systems, buffering pads, sound attenuation equipment, specialized foundations, and other proven technologies.
The proposed site is located within a corridor already influenced by Interstate 65 and an active railroad line. Concerns regarding noise and vibration should be evaluated based upon actual engineering design and measurable performance standards rather than assumptions.
Kentucky Industrial Alliance LLC remains committed to working through established regulatory and review processes while providing accurate information to the public. We believe important decisions should be based on facts, engineering, science, and applicable regulations rather than rumors or misinformation.
Our goal is simple: to ensure that residents have access to accurate information so they can make informed decisions about the future of our community,”
