Pulaski County Advances Data Center Moratorium Exempting AVAIO Project

The Pulaski County Agenda Committee advanced a data center moratorium ordinance to the full Quorum Court following a contentious meeting on July 15, 2026. Drafted by District 7 Justice of the Peace Dianne Curry, the selected ordinance specifically exempts the AVAIO data center project in Wrightsville to protect the county from potential lawsuits.

A competing, more comprehensive moratorium proposed by Democratic county judge candidate Wendell Griffen and sponsored by Julie Blackwood failed in a 5-5 vote. During the proceedings, County Attorney Dominique Lane testified regarding the legal risks of property takings and the potential for litigation if projects were halted. Planning Board interim director Jim Cranor noted that AVAIO is currently preparing to build three of its six revised planned buildings.

The meeting was marked by significant tension, as the committee declined to accept public comments before voting. This decision led to accusations of First Amendment violations from attendees.