Prince William County Halts Legal Defense of Controversial Digital Gateway Project

Prince William County has officially abandoned its legal defense of the Digital Gateway project, which proposed the construction of over 35 data centers across a 2,100-acre site in the Manassas Park area. The county board of supervisors voted unanimously to cease its efforts and terminate the use of outside legal counsel after spending more than $1.7 million on the legal battle. The project had faced significant opposition, leading to two lawsuits filed shortly after the project's rezoning approval in December 2023.

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Opponents of the Digital Gateway project, including the Oak Valley Homeowners Association and the American Battlefield Trust, argued that the development would lead to noise and water pollution, strain local resources, and threaten the area's rural and historic character. A Virginia Court of Appeals ruled against the county on March 31, 2025, citing improper public notice regarding the project. This ruling followed an earlier decision in August 2025 that favored the opponents, further complicating the county's legal position.

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The Coalition to Protect Prince William County expressed gratitude for the board's decision to withdraw from the lawsuit. They highlighted the efforts of local residents and organizations in opposing the project, stating, “Never before has such a small group of people made such a difference to their community and to their state.” The Oak Valley Homeowners Association emphasized that the case had broader implications for all residents of Prince William County, asserting that the litigation should never have occurred.

Mac Haddow, president of the Oak Valley Homeowners Association, criticized the county's handling of the rezoning process, suggesting that the board should have re-advertised the hearing instead of proceeding with what he described as a flawed process. The American Battlefield Trust also praised the board's decision, emphasizing the potential harm the project posed to the historic Manassas National Battlefield Park.

The cessation of legal efforts marks a significant victory for local residents and environmental advocates who opposed the Digital Gateway project. David Duncan, president of the American Battlefield Trust, stated, “Today, the Board listened to what their constituents, numerous judges, and we have said for years: the rezonings for the Prince William Digital Gateway mega-development were not only detrimental for Prince William County, but illegal.”

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The decision to halt the legal defense of the Digital Gateway project reflects a growing recognition of community concerns regarding large-scale developments and their potential impacts on local environments and historical sites. As the county moves forward, the implications of this decision may resonate throughout Prince William County, influencing future development projects and community engagement efforts.

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