Commission advances call for environmental study of Resilient Technology Park data center amid local water and traffic worries

The Caddo Parish Commission on Wednesday voted to advance a nonbinding resolution asking operators of the planned data center in Resilient Technology Park to conduct an environmental impact study that addresses flooding, ingress and egress, construction impacts and operational effects on nearby neighborhoods.

The motion, carried to move Resolution 41 to the commission’s regular session Thursday, was introduced by Commissioner Kman and seconded by Commissioner John Paul Young. The version advanced included an amendment to add Stateline Road and surrounding areas to the study’s scope.

Public commenters urged the commission to require the study. Matthew Alexander, who identified himself as a lifelong Louisiana resident, urged the board to “pass the environmental impact study for Shreveport” and for the Stateline Road site and to halt construction until the studies can confirm local impacts. Abigail Wittington told commissioners she had been told an outside party had donated to a local institute and questioned whether local water supplies were sufficient for such a facility. Candy Peavey supported the call for rainwater collection and asked that wastewater from the data center be treated rather than returned untreated to local systems.

Commissioners framed the request as a community safeguard rather than a prohibition. Commissioner Eper (author of a related rainwater resolution) said the Dawson Road area already suffers flash flooding and that clearing land for the data center could worsen local runoff. He described residents who have been cut off by floodwaters and said the study should include coordination with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development on Highway 80/Greenwood Road traffic impacts. Administrator staff told the commission they were not aware of any parish-provided direct financial incentives to the data center.

Questions from commissioners focused on study design and independence. One commissioner asked whether a study paid for by the developer could be biased; colleagues said the resolution is a request that the operator conduct the study and suggested the operator be encouraged to work with state transportation officials and the community on traffic mitigation. Commissioner Atkins said responsible economic development normally includes impact analyses covering water, roads and electricity, and said she could support the request.

The motion to advance Resolution 41 carried with 10 votes in favor, none opposed, and two commissioners absent. Advancement sends the resolution to the commission’s regular Thursday session for final consideration. Commissioners repeatedly noted that advancing the resolution today does not itself impose requirements on the developer; it requests the study and puts the issue on the regular session agenda.

Next steps: the resolution will return for a final vote at the regular meeting; the commission and staff said they expect continued public inquiries about water usage, traffic mitigation and whether an independent or third-party assessment should be required if the operator funds the study.