TWIGGS COUNTY, Ga. (WGXA) — For nearly four decades, environmentalist John Wilson has been an advocate for preserving land historically inhabited by the Muscogee Creek Nation. Wilson emphasized the cultural significance of the area.

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Wilson's primary objective is to protect the land surrounding the Ocmulgee River corridor. "Really to preserve land around it. Really to preserve the whole river corridor. The data center - you can build it anywhere. So why would you put it in an important place like this," he said.

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Wilson is urging Twiggs County commissioners to oppose plans to rezone property on Adams Park Road for the proposed Pine Ridge Technology Center, which would be situated near the river corridor. Among his concerns is the impact on the local black bear population. "Here is the bear population," Wilson said, adding that the data center and its required fencing could disrupt the bears' habitat. "It'd kind of be divided, the upper bears and the lower bears."

Wilson also raised concerns about the water usage required for the data center's operation. "You might lose your water. Especially if you live three to five miles away from it, because this is going to be deep wells and they have shallow wells. It's like taking water for a town of thirty-thousand-people so, it's a big deal with the water too," he said.

To address these concerns, two Q&A sessions will be held tomorrow, followed by three more on Wednesday. The Twiggs County commissioners are scheduled to vote on the rezoning proposal at the courthouse on Thursday.

Session Times:

Tuesday, September 16:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Wednesday, September 17:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM