Did you know that on June 24, 2025, the Botetourt Board of Supervisors and selected guests had a little celebration of their long-term conspiracy to make the Roanoke Region a “technology forward destination”? It’s all in the minutes from the Board meeting that day. Therein they openly confess to hiding the data center plans from the public for at least 18 months. 

They repeatedly emphasize that the conspiracy was regional in character, against the wishes of residents, and destructive to an “area of stunning beauty ringed by mountains, softened by meadows and sustained by bold streams.” Why undertake such a criminal enterprise? “Faith in the future,” intoned Steve Clinton. 

How far back does the data center skullduggery go? Pay particular attention to the comments of Senator Chris Head: 

“[Head] reflected on earlier skepticism about the county’s suitability for such a project due to perceived gaps in broadband, power, and water infrastructure. He credited local leaders and partners for taking a “what if we could” approach to overcome these challenges, ultimately making the necessary infrastructure a reality.”

Also consider Head’s embarrassing boast that “Google representatives had praised the County for being easy to work with.” Do these fools truly not understand that Google thinks them easy marks?

The relevant effusions of these effete, soft-bellied poltroons follow. I warn you that these creatures have made a sort of pornography out of  fawning and officiousness. Emphases are mine.

“Supervisor Clinton stated that it’s pleasure and privilege to represent Chairperson White and the entire Board in today’s announcement. Mr. Clinton then had the following comments: “It is said “to plant a tree is an act of faith in the future.” The leaders of Botetourt County figuratively planted a tree and proclaimed their faith in the future in the mid-1990s when they decided to purchase 923 acres at the headwaters of Tinker Creek, in the county’s Amsterdam area. Their intention was to develop a commerce park. 

“It was a decision that was not met with universal acclaim. After all, it was indeed the headwaters of Tinker Creek! The site was an area of stunning beauty ringed by mountains, softened by meadows and sustained by bold streams. It was punctuated by significant historic and even prehistoric artifacts and findings. That is what the Board of Supervisors was faced with in the mid-90s. 

“Why on earth would a local government want to mess with that? The answer is “faith in the future” just like the person who plants the tree. 

“Despite controversy and well-intended opposition county leadership embraced the future and proceeded with purchasing the 923 acres, insistent that, as one county administrator said, “if we are going to do this, we are going to do it right.” 

“And they did “do it right,” as successive Botetourt administrators and supervisors continued to do, maintaining lofty standards and being highly selective with the companies invited to locate at Botetourt Center at Greenfield. 

“Combine the wonderful features of Greenfield with the many other strengths of Botetourt County and the entire valley, such as work ethic, unmatched higher education, robust utility grid, and innovative leadership, you have a winning combination for economic development. 

“It’s that winning combination that happens to allow me the distinct honor and rare privilege of standing before you this afternoon and making the following statement today 30 years after the leaders of Botetourt County proclaimed their faith in the future, Botetourt County welcomes Google to Greenfield! 

“As you can imagine this win, Google to Greenfield did not materialize overnight and it was not the work of a single person however certain people were critical to its success. Some were beyond critical they were indispensable, such a person is County Administrator Gary Larrowe. 

“Through tenacity, close attention to detail, and a wonderfully self-effacing sense of humor Gary Larrowe shepherded this project from embryo to actualization. Now, I invite Gary to come forward to bask in the heartfelt appreciation of the Board of Supervisors and to expand upon how we got here and what it means to our region.” 

“County Administrator Gary Larrowe made comments. He recognized the supportive efforts of the Board of Supervisors, the members of the Botetourt County Economic Development Authority Board, Botetourt County staff members, John Hull and the Roanoke Regional Partnership, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Mr. Larrowe shared a PowerPoint presentation highlighting additional details of the county’s economic development announcement. He mentioned that Google has made a land acquisition of 312.553 acres at the Botetourt Center at Greenfield for the sum of $14,064,885. Additionally, Google will provide $4 million over the next 5 years to support community projects for a total investment of $18,064,885! 

“John Hull, Executive Director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership, made comments. He congratulated Botetourt County on attracting the first hyperscale data center in the region. He noted the 18-month collaborative effort involving County Administration, Economic Development, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, utility partners, and regional leadership. Mr. Hull emphasized that the project validates years of work to market the Roanoke Region as a technology-forward destination, diversifies the industrial base, and positions the area within the modern digital economy. The investment is expected to generate significant long-term regional economic impact, attract suppliers and technology businesses, and create additional opportunities. He concluded by commending the teamwork and high-level competency demonstrated by all partners involved. 

“The Honorable Senator Chris Head congratulated Botetourt County on securing Google’s hyperscale data center, calling it one of the most exciting developments in the region’s history. He reflected on earlier skepticism about the county’s suitability for such a project due to perceived gaps in broadband, power, and water infrastructure. He credited local leaders and partners for taking a “what if we could” approach to overcome these challenges, ultimately making the necessary infrastructure a reality. Senator Head shared that Google representatives had praised the County for being easy to work with and expressed enthusiasm about locating here. He likened the project’s scope to giving Botetourt County “the entire wish book”, with lasting benefits for workforce growth and opportunities for young residents to remain in the community. He thanked County leaders, the Board of Supervisors, and Google for their efforts and partnership. 

“Mr. Larrowe shared that he and John Hull recently spoke with Virginia Tech President Tim Sands, who expressed enthusiasm about using Botetourt as a rural innovation lab connecting the university’s Northern Virginia and Blacksburg campuses. Mr. Larrowe also emphasized the project’s scale will provide so much for the 34,000 residents of Botetourt County and he predicted significant long-term benefits for the community and region, remarking that Botetourt is “becoming a Google community.” 

“Mr. Landon Howard, representing Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, congratulated Botetourt County on securing the Google data center, calling it “winning the lottery.” He described the county as a “Goldilocks destination” — just right for living and now, for hosting a major Google expansion. Mr. Howard emphasized the importance of regionalism and praised County Administrator Gary Larrowe’s collaborative leadership on the Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge board and executive committee. He credited this spirit of cooperation for making the project a success and declared the entire region “winners” as a result of Botetourt’s achievement. 

“Mike Stewart of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, congratulated Botetourt County, noting that the Google data center will have far-reaching economic benefits beyond the facility itself, spurring supporting businesses and related activity. Drawing on his experience from a previous airport position that had several data centers close by, he emphasized the positive impact such projects have on regional growth and airport operations. Mr. Stewart thanked Gary Larrowe, John Hull, and the project team, noting that companies like Google make his job easier by attracting more travelers and boosting economic activity. He described the project as a major win for the entire region. 

“Dr. Scothorn reflected on the 18-month process leading to the Google data center announcement, noting the persistence and teamwork of County Administrator Gary Larrowe, John Hull and his team, Economic Development staff, and the Board of Supervisors. He acknowledged the challenges and setbacks along the way and credited former Board Chair Steve Clinton and the Board at that time for their foresight in developing Greenfield, which helped make the project possible. “As a member of the “Board of Supervisors, I’ve seen firsthand the countless hours, the challenging discussions, and the unwavering dedication that has gone into securing what is now our county’s largest financial triumph. This monumental win will undoubtedly pave the way for a more prosperous and vibrant future for everyone who calls our county home. I dedicate this success to the Mr. Clinton and the collaborative spirit of our community and to the continued progress we will make together in the years to come. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement” 

“Mr. Steve Clinton thanked Dr. Scothorn and the Board for dedicating the Google data center announcement to him, expressing that he was touched, surprised, and pleased. He emphasized that the credit belonged to the entire Board, County Administrator Gary Larrowe, and the full project team. Clinton called it an incredible and important day for Botetourt County and expressed appreciation for everyone’s support and well wishes.” 

Also in this series: 

Private Betrayal, Public Defiance: Botetourt’s Board of Supervisors

Vomitous Prattle & Statutory Conspiracy: The 2026 Comprehensive Plan

The 2026 Comprehensive Plan: Bend Over

The Botetourt Data Center, The Planning Commission, and Broken Promises

The Botetourt Data Center: Vampire Pimps

The Botetourt Data Center: The Legacy of Fascism

The Botetourt Data Center & the Lie of Freedom

If It’s Not Love, Then It’s the Data Center That Will Bring Us Together

The Botetourt Data Center: A Bad Deal with a Scammy Cherry on Top

The Botetourt Data Center, The Water Authority, and an Invitation to Corruption 

The Botetourt Data Center: Bilious Corporate Prerogative

The Botetourt Data Center: Don’t Fear the Hamster Kaiju

Follow these groups for more information:

Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance

Botetourt Conservatives and Independent Thinkers