Documenter Linda Zeigenfuss

By Trisha Walker and Documenter Linda Zeigenfuss Columbia Gorge News SKAMANIA CO. — Another Gorge-area governing board has placed a temporary moratorium on data centers. Skamania County commissioners unanimously passed a moratorium at their Aug. 18 meeting after eight people provided public comment in favor of the pause. Comments ranged from asking the commission to be proactive to potential negative impacts if construction is allowed, such as excessive water usage, pollution, and noise.

SKAMANIA CO. — Another Gorge-area governing board has placed a temporary moratorium on data centers. Skamania County commissioners unanimously passed a moratorium at their Aug. 18 meeting after eight people provided public comment in favor of the pause. Comments ranged from asking the commission to be proactive to potential negative impacts if construction is allowed, such as excessive water usage, pollution, and noise.

When the U.S. Congress passed the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act late last year, local officials in counties that receive funding through the program — including those in the Gorge — had cause for celebration. Secure Rural Schools funding helps counties where the federal government owns land that local governments, including schools, can’t tax.