Sedgwick County considers extending pause on data centers

Sedgwick County is looking at extending its moratorium on data centers into mid-June.

Commissioners will consider extending the moratorium to June 11 at its March 4 meeting. The existing 90-day pause is set to end on April 17 if commissioners don’t approve the extension.

The county does not have any regulations for data centers, which was cited as one of the reasons for the pause.

County staff and consultants are researching the issue with the intent of crafting policies and regulations for the centers.

The possibility of an extension comes as the county is preparing at least two town halls on the issue, including a listening session on March 12 and a presentation by the planning department on zoning on March 31.

Details including time and location for those town halls are yet to be announced.

The county said it wants to extend the pause to consider feedback given during these events.

“It’s important that we listen to the public on this large economic development opportunity for Sedgwick County,” Chairman Jeff Blubaugh said in a news release. “Public discussion and transparency are vital parts of this process.”

The move also comes after Kansas state Sen. Chase Blasi pressured the county in a public letter to extend its moratorium to three years.

“This pause would provide the time necessary to conduct thorough studies, ensure responsible planned, and restore confidence within our community,” the letter reads.

Other counties, including Harvey County to the north, have placed a three-year moratorium on data centers.