County Commission to Review Data Center Development Rules
New framework would establish strict criteria for future industrial projects before lifting current moratorium.
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County Commission will convene Monday, Feb. 16, to review a proposed framework of "Infrastructure Considerations" and "Community Benefits" designed to regulate future data center and battery energy storage developments. Following the commission's recent decision to extend the moratorium on such commercial projects through late 2026, the new agenda item focuses on establishing strict development criteria, including requirements for chemical fire suppression systems, road maintenance agreements across city and township lines, and detailed water appropriation reviews by the Division of Water Resources (DWR). The document, which also weighs expected job growth and tax revenue against potential noise, dust, and security risks, represents a key step by Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey’s office to codify safeguards before lifting the current ban on these industrial facilities in unincorporated areas.
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