Unveiling "Project Blue Hole:" QTS Data Centers considers a location in Blakely

Q&A with John Engler, McKnight-Blakely, LLC

and Susanne Reynolds, Blakely-Early Co. Economic Development

1. How will a data center affect the water supply?

Susanne: QTS uses a closed-loop water system for cooling purposes and that means there are no cooling towers. The cooling system does not consume water once it becomes operational. This efficient design will not put a strain on local water wells. The water also never leaves the system, so it doesn’t get discharged into any nearby streams or sewers.

John: Daily water usage will primarily be for domestic needs, including restrooms, employee gym, break rooms and, of course, like any great office environment—for brewing coffee. Around 5,000 gallons per day are expected to be used.

2. Where will the power supply come from and will it impact power bills?

John: QTS is still working with power providers to determine the appropriate power supply needed for its data centers. While the substantial power demand can place pressure on existing infrastructure, QTS collaborates closely with utility partners to support grid improvements and modernization efforts. These investments enhance overall reliability and ultimately benefit all residents.

3. Will there be noise pollution?

Susanne: From the outside of the facilities, there is no noise that I could hear when recently visiting a QTS Data Center campus. When driving around the entire campus and city block – there were not any loud hums to be heard. Even once inside the rooms with the servers, the hum was not unbearable.

John: QTS understands the impact that noise pollution can have on a community, especially one like Blakely. For this reason, from the very beginning of the design phase, QTS plans for the location of their generators, one of the primary sources of exterior noise, to be positioned between buildings to help reduce sound during testing. Generator testing occurs monthly and is rotated, with approximately four generators running at a time for about 15 to 30 minutes.

4. How was this project introduced to Blakely-Early County?

John: Our team at McKnight Engler conducted internal research to evaluate whether the McKnight–Blakely property would be suitable for a data center. After receiving positive findings and feedback in May 2024, we contacted the City of Blakely to begin a deeper conversation about bringing a data center to the community.

Susanne: Somewhere towards the end of July 2024, I received a phone call from John Engler with McKnight Engler in Augusta, Ga. He wanted to schedule a meeting to discuss a “generational-changing” opportunity for Blakely and Early County. I asked him how soon he could get to my office.

5. What makes Blakely an ideal location for a data center?

Susanne: Past and present leadership in Blakely and Early County made this area very attractive for a project such as this. The infrastructure that was placed in this location over time, such as the fiber and utilities have contributed greatly to this site selection.

6. What are the environmental impacts of data centers?

John: QTS prioritizes environmental responsibility through energy-efficient operations, water free cooling systems, and the use of renewable energy. The company is working toward 100% renewable power, reducing its carbon footprint, and conducting environmental studies to protect local ecosystems while partnering with communities to address environmental concerns.

7. What are the economic impacts of data centers?

Susanne: The data center industry has become a catalyst for economic advancement by stimulating growth within local economies. Beyond the direct impacts of job creation, capital investment, and increases to the tax base, data centers generate secondary effects by augmenting the development of supporting industries such as construction, telecommunications, power infrastructure and technology manufacturing.

John: Data centers boost economic development by creating jobs, generating substantial tax revenue, attracting other high-tech businesses, and supporting local communities through workforce programs and direct investments. The construction phase brings thousands of temporary jobs, while ongoing operations provide many permanent, high-paying positions in technology, security, and maintenance. The resulting tax revenue supports local services, and the investment in community and sustainability initiatives further strengthens the local economy.

8. What will it look like on the outside?

Susanne: QTS Data Centers do not look like distribution centers or any type of generic warehouse. I was pleasantly surprised by the modern, innovative design of the buildings – and the attractive well-maintained landscape.

John: QTS designs its data centers using a standardized, modular architecture that prioritizes efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. Exterior design elements focus on minimizing community and environmental impact through noise-dampening features, and rooftop equipment screening.

9. What do data centers look like on the inside?

Susanne: The thing that impressed me the most about the inside of every QTS building lobby was the signature “ QTS Freedom Wall,” which is dedicated to “our armed forces and emergency responses personnel whose sacrifices secure and support our freedoms.” Displayed is the American Flag along with a message of dedication. There was also a cafe and nice seating areas. It was exceptionally clean and did not have a smudge on the staircase railings or windows. Multipurpose rooms with advanced technology are also available for local law enforcement and others to utilize for training purposes. It is clear QTS has great pride in its facilities, core values and the communities in which they become partners.

John: Security, cleanliness, and organization are top priorities at QTS facilities. As you approach the campus, you are greeted by a security guard who manages check-in procedures. Upon entering the data center, visitors first experience a first-class office like environment featuring a high-end breakroom, spacious training and meeting areas, and employees working in private offices or collaborative spaces. Beyond additional secured access points, server rooms are well-lit and climate-controlled, with layouts that vary based on the technical needs of QTS’s end users.

10. Will there be jobs created? If so, will they have competitive wages and hire locally?

Susanne: Yes – jobs will be created both by QTS and the tenants of the facilities. Full-time positions include technicians, maintenance and security workers. A high school graduate has the potential to make a salary of over $50K a year. That is absolutely life changing for our community. All of the employees I met while on the tour were from Georgia – and there was a great comfort in knowing QTS hires locally.

John: One particularly exciting commitment from QTS is its interest in partnering with the Early County school system to develop programs that educate and train students for careers in data center operations. This initiative would help build a skilled local workforce and create future job opportunities for residents, ensuring that employment benefits of the project stay within the community. In addition to retaining local talent, QTS places a strong emphasis on hiring veterans, with approximately 30% of its campus staff historically coming from military backgrounds. Data centers also help attract new residents to the area by creating high-quality job opportunities.

11. Is a data center the same as bitcoin mining?

Susanne: No – a data center is not the same as a bitcoin operation. Data Centers use a diverse mix of servers, storage and networking gear — all designed to run many different applications. One of the largest differences is that bitcoin mining facilities do not create many jobs, but a data center campus will create both long-term direct and indirect jobs. For example, during the build out of the campus there will be construction and other contractor positions.

12. How will this data center be structured, and who will use it?

John: QTS data centers support hyperscale cloud providers, U.S. government agencies, Fortune 1000 enterprises across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and retail, local and regional businesses, media organizations, and a wide range of technology and IT service firms.

13. Has local leadership toured a data center?

Susanne: Yes – leadership with Early County, City of Blakely, Early County School System and the Development Authority of Early County recently went on an exclusive tour with QTS – Atlanta management. It was a very eye-opening experience and cleared up many of the misconceptions associated with data centers that are floating around online.

14. Will this reduce taxes in Early County?

Susanne: Public tax records from communities in Georgia and across the United States that have data centers show that the tax revenue generated from ad valorem taxes are substantial. Even in communities that have provided tax abatements for these projects, the tax revenue is still considered very substantial. The local sales tax is also expected to increase significantly with the amount of construction and other contractors that will be part of the community for many years.

15. Why does the United States need so many data centers?

Susanne: The United States needs a large number of data centers because of the enormous demand for digital services, data storage and computing power. Data is part of almost every aspect of our lives now. Anything from digital files, Cloud storage, AI, social media, government, hospital, school systems and corporate files are stored in data centers. Even the daily use of our cellphones and computers rely on them. Their role in storing, processing and managing data is essential for organizations and communities to further develop the infrastructure necessary for the modern economy.

16. How does QTS partner with the community?

Susanne: QTS lives out their value of “Faith, Family and Community Volunteerism” by offering volunteer opportunities and charitable contributions where needed most.

John: QTS has a strong track record of community partnership, often supporting local schools through donations such as scoreboards, athletic uniforms, and technology needs. In some communities, QTS has also contributed to critical emergency resources, including funding for ambulances and other public safety equipment. These efforts reflect QTS’s broader commitment to investing in the well-being and long-term growth of the communities it serves.

Click Here for more about QTS Data Centers.

Published in the Early County News on November 18, 2025.

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