As debate over data centers grows across the country, local leaders in Catawba County are responding to concerns about Microsoft’s planned one-billion-dollar investment in four data centers.

In a joint statement, county and municipal officials said national stories about water consumption, infrastructure demands, and community impacts have raised questions locally. They say those concerns are understandable but argue that broad examples from water-stressed regions do not reflect conditions in Catawba County.

Officials note the project is part of a long-term economic development strategy tied to the area’s manufacturing heritage and fiber-optic industry. They say the facilities will pay property taxes on the full value of buildings and equipment while placing relatively low demands on schools, traffic systems, and other municipal services.

The statement also says the data centers are expected to use modern cooling technologies and, once fully operational, are projected to consume about one percent of Hickory’s daily water production capacity. Local leaders say they remain committed to transparency and responsible growth as the project moves forward.