Washington County Commission to consider BWXT rezoning request

The Washington County Commissioners will consider BWX Technologies rezoning request, a one-year moratorium on data centers and the transfer of $2.18 million in funds for remaining water projects at its regular Monday meeting. BWXT rezoning request BWX Technologies request to rezone of 56 acres from A-1 General Agriculture/ R-1 Low Density Residential/ A-3 Agriculture-Business to M-2 high impact use has been postponed for two months. The request has brought residents together in disapproval of the rezoning. County Commissioners were sent a letter from legal counsel on Friday, March 13 arguing the rezoning request is unlawful, urging commissioners to vote no. If the request is approved, BWXT plans to expand its facility for production of high-purity depleted uranium — a material used to build nuclear weapons. The Regional Planning Commission denied the request at its Jan. 6 meeting in a 4-2 vote with one abstained. Concerns have been raised on the environmental impact of HPDU, the lack of onsite public sewer and the location being within a flood hazard area associated with Little Limestone Creek. Washington County zoning and planning staff recommend the approval of BWXT's request "because it reasonably expands the existing zoning district while maintaining adequate spacing from lower intensity uses in the surrounding area," according to the agenda. Individuals speaking in support or in opposition of BWXT's request will be limited to one hour for both sides during public comment. In accordance with state law, the limitation is an effort to ensure opposing viewpoints are presented. One-year moratorium on data centers Commissioners will also consider a one-year moratorium on data centers for Washington County. The resolution comes before the commission as a recommendation from the Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural Committee. In section four of the resolution it states, "during such moratorium, no county permits zoning approvals, building approvals, utility extensions, building permits, text amendments, and/or development agreements etc., shall be issued for the purpose of establishing a data center facility, of any form or kind for such operations within Washington County." If approved, the moratorium would go into effect immediately through June 30, 2027. The moratorium would also include cryptocurrency. $2.18 million in funds for county water projects Commissioners will consider a resolution to authorize the remaining funds from The American Rescue Plan Act to be spent on water line installation projects within the county identified by the Water Task Force. The county received $25 million from ARPA following COVID and all funds are meant to be spent by 2027, according to Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy. A total of 232 miles of roads with no water pipes were identified by the county 15 years ago. The county has installed more than 200,000 feet of water lines in rural areas for residents to have access to clean water and water safety such as fire hydrants. Other agenda items Washington County Commissioners will consider a total of 17 resolutions on Monday. Resolutions for consideration include, but is not limited to, a request for $250,000 in annual funding for each Washington County Fire Department, county participation in the Remnant Defendants' Settlement Agreement and the funding of up to $300,000 for a project with the City of Johnson City concerning water line projects. Also on the agenda is a resolution in support of Senate Bill 2311 and House Bill 2419 regarding the state's comprehensive growth plan and annexation statutes. Approval of the resolution would require annexation ordinances be reviewed and voted on by the Washington County Commission before adoption. To see the full agenda, visit washingtoncountytn.org/agendacenter The County Commission will meet on Monday night at 6 p.m. in courtroom seven of the George P. Jaynes Justice Center.