Jasper Co. leaders, staff study infrastructure needs during yearlong data center pause

JASPER COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - Jasper County leaders say they are learning more about data centers and their infrastructure needs during the first few weeks of a yearlong pause on related applications and approvals.The moratorium, which took effect in October, covers applications, permits, rezoning requests and financial incentives for data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and other data-processing centers in unincorporated parts of the county. It is set to expire next October.County Council Chairman Joey Rowell said the county has not heard from companies wanting to build a data center, but leaders want to be prepared if they do.“Right now we’re focusing on all the ins and outs, looking at the infrastructure needs, even if a data center wouldn’t even fit into our community,” Rowell said. “We’re looking at it and gathering that information. There’s again so much out there; hopefully at the end of this we will have something more conclusive.”Rowell said the county must determine