On December 9, 2023, the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) formally communicated its stance to the Prince William County Board of Supervisors regarding the far reaching and problematic Digital Gateway data center proposal. Despite the recent, rushed decision in favor of the data center industry, NVCT reiterates its commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and advocating for balanced development that prioritizes environmental conservation.
NVCT's pre-vote communication expressed our concerns about the Digital Gateway proposal, highlighting our willingness to collaborate on a plan that harmonizes conservation values with development objectives. Regrettably, despite our offers to engage and contribute our expertise, our involvement in the planning process was not realized until the last minutes of the debate on the proposal and will now only be considered after the votes were cast.
Our organization has a strong track record of constructive engagement with various stakeholders, including landowners, developers, and public agencies, exemplified by successful partnerships in preserving Prince William County sites like Leopold’s Preserve, the Preserve at Long Branch, and Woodborne Preserve, among others.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of data center development for the community, NVCT remains steadfast in its belief that the current proposal does not strike an optimal balance for the county's future. We stand ready and willing to collaborate in achieving environmentally sound outcomes that align with the long-term interests of Prince William County, and the final discussion on the Digital Gateway proposal included requests from the board that the data center applicants work with NVCT moving forward.
Our commitment to finding common ground and fostering solutions that meet multiple needs remains unwavering. We invite and encourage meaningful discussions with the data center applicants to explore opportunities for sustainable development that incorporates robust conservation strategies.
NVCT values its ongoing partnership with Prince William County and reiterates its readiness to engage in constructive dialogue towards achieving balanced and environmentally conscious development.
For further discussions or inquiries, please contact our Executive Director, Alan Rowsome, at arowsome@nvct.org.
ABOUT NORTHERN VIRGINIA CONSERVATION TRUST
The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to protecting the natural, historic, and scenic resources of Northern Virginia for the benefit of current and future generations. Since its founding in 1994, NVCT has protected nearly 9,000 acres in urban and rural areas. Through collaborative partnerships and strategic conservation efforts, NVCT works tirelessly to safeguard the region's unique landscapes and cultural heritage. For more information, visit www.nvct.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.