AI Policy & Regulation
5d ago
Kentucky family declines $26 million offer for farmland amid data center proposal
Aug 7, 2026
AI Summary
Ida Huddleston, 82, and her family turned down a lucrative offer from a major AI firm to buy their farmland for a data center, citing deep-rooted ties to the land and concerns over environmental impacts. Despite their refusal, the project is moving forward with other landowners agreeing to sell.
- Ida Huddleston has lived on her family's 1,200 acres of farmland in Kentucky since she was 16 years old.
- A major artificial intelligence company approached the family with offers totaling over $26 million for their land to build a data center.
- Huddleston was offered about $60,000 per acre for her 71 acres, while her daughter, Delsia Bare, was offered $48,000 per acre for her 463 acres.
- Both women initially considered selling but ultimately withdrew from the deal, citing concerns about the project's impact and their attachment to the land.
- They have become vocal opponents of the data center, arguing it would not deliver the promised economic benefits and could lead to environmental issues.
- The project will proceed as the company has secured land from other owners, with local officials claiming it will create hundreds of jobs.
- The situation reflects a broader trend of opposition to data centers in rural America, with similar conflicts arising in various locations.
land usedata centerscommunity valuesheritageeconomic decisions