What’s next for Project Ruby after Columbus Council approved data center rules?
The Columbus Council’s approval of a technology overlay district ordinance this week marks a major milestone for Project Ruby, the proposal to build a $5.18 billion hyperscale data center in northeast Muscogee County. But several steps remain before construction can begin.
The project developer is preparing to submit a Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) application for the next step in the review, Missy Kendrick, president and CEO of Choose Columbus, the marketing arm for the Development Authority of Columbus.
“We appreciate the Columbus city council’s thoughtful consideration of the technology overlay district ordinance and the community members who have engaged in this important conversation,” Kendrick told the Ledger-Enquirer. “The passage of this ordinance establishes a zoning framework for how future technology-related development proposals may be evaluated in Columbus, and we look forward to engaging with the city council for the next steps.
“We remain committed to supporting responsible economic growth that strengthens our community, protects residents’ long-term interests and positions Columbus for future opportunities.”
The ordinance establishes rules governing where large technology developments, including hyperscale data centers, can be considered within the consolidated jurisdiction of Columbus and Muscogee County.
However, the approval of the ordinance does not automatically authorize construction of Project Ruby.
Kendrick said the developer is expected to begin the DRI process within the next month. This process allows regional planning officials, surrounding counties and state agencies to review and comment on a proposed development’s potential impacts. The review includes feedback from organizations and agencies with jurisdiction over issues such as land use, transportation and environmental concerns.
“That’s the first step that has to happen, and then they will make an application to the planning and zoning board for the application of the overlay district on the site,” Kendrick said.
That request will go to the Columbus Planning Advisory Commission and ultimately the Columbus Council, creating another opportunity for public input before any development can move forward for Project Ruby.
“That’s where the development agreement will come in,” Kendrick said. “They’ll have many more details on the site, how it’s going to be constructed, exactly what it’s going to look like, and all the information that people have been begging to see.”
Kendrick described the ordinance vote as an important step, but a broader review is still underway.
“I think this process has been a great process to hear from the citizens and to take our community through the learning process as related to locating a data center,” Kendrick said.