As Google moves forward with plans for a major data center campus in Botetourt County, some environmental advocates are urging Virginia to rethink how the facilities operate — and warning that growing water demands could strain local resources.
Botetourt County leaders are moving closer to bringing a major grocery store to Daleville. The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors approved a special exception for a new grocery store development at Daleville Town Center during a meeting Tuesday night.
Supporters and opponents of Google’s proposed data center campus in Botetourt County made their cases Thursday evening as hundreds of residents gathered at Lord Botetourt High School for a community open house hosted by the technology company.
An application for a zoning map amendment and a special exception permit has been submitted to the Botetourt County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors to accommodate a large grocery store in Daleville.
As families spend more time at pools, lakes and rivers this summer, instructors at the Botetourt Family YMCA are encouraging parents to prioritise swim lessons and water safety to help prevent drowning accidents.
Virginia’s first onshore wind farm is no longer just a vision. The Rocky Forge Wind Project, located along North Mountain in Botetourt County, is now visibly under construction — with turbines already standing as the project moves closer to producing power later this year.
The Botetourt County Department of Fire and EMS is raising awareness about electrical safety after a local family discovered a severely burned electrical outlet hidden behind their daughter’s bookcase.
A woman was arrested after a traffic stop led to a drug bust in Botetourt County, Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office said.
The future of school funding in Botetourt County drew passionate debate Wednesday night as students, parents and residents packed a public hearing on the county’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget.
Across Southwest Virginia, more and more data centers have been proposed to various localities. One of the larger ones is in Botetourt County, which has garnered controversy from residents.
Botetourt County leaders hosted a business summit aimed at supporting local companies through panels, resources and economic updates, as a separate protest outside the event focused on a proposed data center project.
Construction activity near a historic cemetery in Botetourt County is raising concerns from some families as officials review plans for a nearby apartment development.
At packed Botetourt County meeting, opponents of Google’s proposed data center cite school proximity, noise and water use
Google has officially announced its data center project in Botetourt County, prompting strong reactions from residents and local leaders alike.
A tense exchange between a local resident and the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors raised questions about public participation at the board’s March meeting.
Google has announced plans to advance the Botetourt County Data Center Project, a development that has sparked ample concern within the community over transparency and water usage since it was initially announced.
The Western Virginia Water Authority is responding to growing concerns from residents about the region’s water supply as plans move forward for a proposed Google data center in Botetourt County.
Virginia lawmakers left Richmond without passing the state’s budget because lawmakers are at a standstill over whether data centers should receive tax breaks.
With Virginia voters set to decide on a redistricting amendment in about a month, U.S. Congressman Ben Cline, R-Va, and local residents gathered at a rally in Botetourt County to urge opposition.
Agreements tied to a proposed Google data center campus in Botetourt County outline billions in potential investment, new jobs and significant water infrastructure planning for the Roanoke Valley.
The Western Virginia Water Authority is hosting an open house on Tuesday, March 10, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Green Ridge Recreation Center in Roanoke, giving residents a closer look at the region’s water system and answering questions about the proposed Google data center in Botetourt County.
Botetourt County officials delayed action Monday on a proposal for a 33‑acre solar facility off Route 220 in Fincastle after dozens of residents raised concerns about property values, local environment and where the power would be sold.
Two men have been arrested after a traffic stop led to a narcotics seizure in Daleville, according to the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office.
Botetourt County’s Planning Commission will consider a proposal Monday night to build a 5-megawatt solar facility on a 53.4-acre lot off of Roanoke Road in Fincastle. The agenda states, “33 acres of which will be leased by New Leaf Energy to construct and operate a solar energy facility.”
A proposed Google data center campus in Botetourt County could use between 2 million and 8 million gallons of drinking water per day, according to an executed agreement between the developer and the Western Virginia Water Authority.
Leaders in Botetourt County are reviewing ways to refinance and restructure infrastructure funding as they consider a policy that could directly affect the proposed Google data center and other large developments.
Construction is under way on Rocky Forge, which Apex Clean Energy describes as Virginia’s first large land-based wind project. Apex says the project will include 13 turbines, each rated at more than 6 megawatts, for a total nameplate capacity of about 78 megawatts, and that annual production should be roughly equal to electricity used by about 20,000 average Virginia homes.
For Scott Yates, the land where his father built their family home by hand is more than just property – it’s sacred ground.
Google’s planned data center campus in Botetourt County, Virginia, could consume up to 8 million gallons of water daily, raising concerns about resource management and infrastructure costs in this rural community.
Residents express concerns about water pressure and sustainability as officials provide insights into the project's impact.
What began as a bullying incident at a high school football game has transformed into a platform for change, thanks to one Botetourt County student’s determination to make a difference.
The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors has approved a hazard analysis study for the Orchard Lake dam, addressing long-standing concerns from residents about the aging structure’s safety and future.
Botetourt County supervisors voted Tuesday to move forward with a hazard analysis study of the Orchard Lake Dam, but the decision has sparked renewed debate about government transparency and community involvement.
As winter weather approaches, residents can take practical steps to prepare using common household items and affordable supplies.
A potential development deal in Botetourt County’s Valley District will be discussed behind closed doors Thursday, as county supervisors invoke state law allowing private negotiations for competitive financial matters.
Local officials are facing mounting criticism over their handling of a Google data center project, with residents and journalists citing concerns about a lack of transparency and communication from county leadership.
Botetourt County residents came together this weekend to discuss the proposed Google data center planned for the area. The meeting was hosted by the Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Group and Botetourt Conservatives and Independent Thinkers, who joined forces to address community concerns.
Speculation about a new Costco in Botetourt County has sparked community interest and cautious responses from officials. While land purchases suggest possible development, no official confirmation or public plans have been released.
Former Lumos customers are facing significant service disruptions and lengthy wait times as their internet and phone services transition to T-Mobile following last year’s acquisition.
Campbell County supervisors are set to vote on new regulations that would tighten control over data center development, marking a significant shift in how the county approaches these large-scale tech facilities.
According to VDOT, a tractor-trailer crash in Botetourt County near mile marker 169.4 is causing delays. VDOT says that all south lanes are closed and the traffic backup is 4 miles.
According to VDOT, a reported brush fire is causing delays on US-460 East on Monday in Bedford County near the Botetourt County line at mile marker 165.5.
Residents voiced strong opposition to Google’s proposed data center during a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, with concerns ranging from water consumption and power usage to questions about the transparency of the entire process at the 300-acre development planned for the Botetourt Center at Greenfield.
As Google’s proposed data center project in Botetourt County moves forward, environmental groups and local officials continue to debate the facility’s potential impact on the region’s resources, while residents have concerns.
According to VDOT, at mile marker 159.1 in Botetourt County, motorists can expect delays due to what it calls “other security/police activity.” The south right shoulder is closed. Traffic backups are approximately 1.5 miles.
Over a dozen people packed the Western Virginia Water Authority meeting on Thursday to voice their concerns about the proposed Google AI Data Center that would be placed in Botetourt County, asking questions about transparency and water usage.
Colonial Elementary School announced Thursday evening that it would be closed after a gas leak was identified just past 4 p.m. Thursday.
No injuries were reported after a train collided with a tractor-trailer that was across the tracks in Botetourt County Thursday, according to BOCO Fire and EMS.
Amherst County Fire and EMS announced Wednesday that their 911 Center had received multiple calls regarding a smokey haze, specifically around Route 130.
A tractor-trailer crash near mile marker 154.3 in Botetourt County is causing delays, according to VDOT. All south lanes are closed and traffic backups are approximately 3 miles. A detour has been established at exit 156 to US-11 South, to ALT VA-220 North, to exit 150 on ram to I-81 South.
Two wildfires burning in Virginia’s George Washington and Jefferson National Forest mark what officials say is just the beginning of fall fire season, with dry conditions raising concerns across the region.
Two wildfires continue to burn in the Jefferson National Forest near Oriskany, with the Bald Mountain fire covering approximately 2,000 acres along the Botetourt-Craig County line, according to Botetourt County officials.
Governor Youngkin, in a social media post on Thursday, announced that the Virginia Department of Forestry is assisting the U.S Forest Service in responding to a 1,700-acre wildfire on federal land at Bald Mountain in Botetourt County.
Two people and their dogs are displaced following a garage fire that occurred in Botetourt County on Sunday afternoon, Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS said.
More than half of Virginia’s zip codes lack a single physical pharmacy location, highlighting a growing healthcare crisis as rural and underserved communities struggle with diminishing access to prescription medications and pharmaceutical care.
Governor Youngkin announced a $270 million investment to improve the I-81 S-Curve in Botetourt County on Tuesday, according to Botetourt County.
A Botetourt County family is advocating for stronger anti-bullying policies after their son with autism was mocked and allegedly attacked at a high school football game.
Botetourt County’s small business grant program is set to help twice as many local enterprises this year, with $100,000 available for grants ranging from $2,000 to $6,000.
A shooting incident on Interstate 81 northbound near Troutville prompted a police investigation, a traffic detour, and a brief secure status at several Botetourt County schools, officials said.
Midnight, October 9 is the deadline to register for the Angel Tree program through the Salvation Army of the Roanoke Valley. This branch serves Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, Vinton, Craig, and Botetourt counties.
Just after 5 a.m. on Friday, the Troutville Fire Training Center in Botetourt County was severely damaged in a fire. The building, located next to the Troutville Fire Department, has long been used to train emergency responders across Southwestern Virginia.
A decades-old earthen dam at Orchard Lake in Daleville has sparked debate between county officials and residents over safety concerns and the potential draining of what locals consider a community treasure.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Federal Highway Administration have awarded grants to 12 trail projects through the Recreational Trails Program.
As we mark National Preparedness Month, it's crucial for everyone, especially those in flood-prone areas like Botetourt County, to be ready for unexpected emergencies.
To prepare for Google's new data center in Botetourt, the Virginia Water Authority’s board approved two agreements this week. The first, with Botetourt County, will help fund studies to determine the best option for building a new water source. The second with Google, requires the company to pay for its own infrastructure to supply water to the data center.
Driven by the need for more volunteers, the Botetourt County Fire and EMS held a Citizens Academy to better prepare people for emergency situations and maybe make a volunteer first responder out of them.
The Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival is ready to bring sunshine and smiles to Buchanan as it celebrates its 10th anniversary next month with 10 days of festivities.
A man was sentenced to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of child sexual exploitation and one count of possession of child pornography, the U.S. Department of Justice for the Western District of Virginia said on Monday.
Carilion Clinic announced Tuesday plans to open freestanding emergency departments in Smith Mountain Lake’s Westlake area and the Daleville Town Center area.
An 18-year-old driver has been arrested following a vehicle pursuit that began in Roanoke and ended just inside Botetourt County, according to Virginia State Police.
A Covington man was sentenced to life plus 40 years in prison, to be suspended after he serves an active sentence of 35 years for carjacking, rape and abduction with intent to defile, according to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alleghany County.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has confirmed a case of rabies in a raccoon found near Old Sessler Mill Road and Blackberry Lane in western Botetourt County, Virginia.
