Kentucky Mother and Daughter Stand Firm Against $26 Million Data Center Offers
In a remarkable display of resilience, a Kentucky mother and daughter have steadfastly refused lucrative offers exceeding $26 million from developers eager to purchase their farmland for a proposed massive data center project. Ida Huddleston, 82, and her daughter, Delsia Bare, 54, own adjacent properties in Mason County, Kentucky, where developers associated with a large-scale data center initiative have been aggressively attempting to assemble land parcels.
Substantial Financial Offers Declined
Together, the mother-daughter duo confirmed they have been presented with combined offers totaling $26.48 million for their agricultural holdings. Huddleston, who owns 71 acres, revealed she was offered $60,000 per acre, amounting to approximately $4.26 million. She has repeatedly turned down this proposal, stating the persistent efforts have only strengthened her resolve to remain on her land.
'What they've proposed and carried on it's not a business deal, it's a mind harassment,' Huddleston told local media. The longtime landowner emphasized she has no intention of selling, regardless of the financial incentive. 'I said I don't want your money, I don't need your money, but I do feel sorry for everybody around us. They're gonna be affected by it.'
Bare, 54, has similarly declined to sell her land despite an even more substantial offer. Developers proposed $48,000 per acre for her 463-acre farm, which translates to roughly $22.2 million. The combined offers for both properties therefore reach about $26.48 million, a sum that has failed to sway their commitment to their property and community.
Concerns Over Transparency and Community Impact
The women express heightened concerns due to the fact that the Fortune 100 company behind the project has not been publicly identified. Bare highlighted that this lack of transparency makes it challenging for residents to comprehend the potential implications of the development for their community.
'When they will not reveal who they are that's a major player in what you're going to do with the rest of your life if you are stuck here or even if you are leaving here,' she explained. The proposed data center would be constructed near Big Pond Pike in Mason County, an area where several landowners have been approached about selling farmland for the project.
Economic Benefits Versus Skepticism
Local officials have argued that the facility could deliver significant economic advantages to the region. Tyler McHugh, economic development director for the Maysville-Mason County Industrial Development Authority, previously stated the data center could generate around 400 full-time jobs and more than 1,500 construction positions.
'As far as jobs would go, they would become if not our largest employer, definitely top three,' McHugh noted. However, Bare remains skeptical of these projections. 'My guess is you won't have over 50 and they won't even be here at this building when it's said and done,' she countered.
Ongoing Review and Regulatory Adjustments
Huddleston remains unwavering in her decision to stay on her land, simply stating, 'I'm staying put.' Meanwhile, the Mason County Fiscal Court is still reviewing the project. Officials recently enacted new regulations increasing the residential setback for data centers from 500 feet to 750 feet, reflecting the continuing debate over the development's potential impacts.
This standoff underscores broader tensions between rapid technological expansion and traditional agricultural livelihoods, with these Kentucky women championing their land and community values against substantial financial inducements.
