Barren County turns to consultant for high-intensity tech infrastructure regulations
Reese True has been hired to advise Barren County officials as they develop planning and zoning regulations for future developments, including high-intensity technological infrastructure.
GLASGOW, Ky. — As Barren County works to create its first countywide land-use ordinance, the Joint City-County Planning Commission has hired a consultant to help develop potential regulations for high-intensity technological infrastructure, including data centers.
The commission voted July 20 to hire Resese True, managing director of The Kentucky Steward LLC, to provide advisory and technical support related specifically to high-intensity technological infrastructure ordinance language.
The work is separate from the broader countywide planning and zoning effort and is focused on helping officials establish standards for potential high-impact technology-related developments.
Brennan Crain
According to an agreement obtained through an open records request, True’s services began July 27 and are scheduled to continue through Oct. 2 unless extended. The contract sets compensation at $165 per hour, with total payments not to exceed $14,025.
The agreement calls for an initial invoice to be submitted Aug. 17 and a second invoice on Sept. 21. The scope of work includes an in-person discussion of draft HITI ordinance concepts in mid-August, a finalization meeting in September and up to four virtual technical coordination meetings.
True, who is based in Eminence, Kentucky, will assist the commission in developing potential ordinance language addressing issues such as community asset protection, stakeholder involvement, infrastructure capacity, water and wastewater considerations, groundwater protection, power demand, grid and ratepayer impacts, environmental considerations, land-use compatibility, operational safeguards and public decision-making.
The following day after the commission vote, during the July 21 Barren County Fiscal Court meeting, Planning Director Kevin Myatt explained the decision to magistrates.
“The planning commission felt having an expert in that particular field would be a tremendous help for the regs and the rules that may be presented to this body if deem it necessary or worthy,” Myatt said.
Myatt said the consultant’s work is not tied to a specific data center proposal and is part of the county’s effort to create regulations before potential projects are considered.
The decision comes as communities across Kentucky examine how to address high-intensity technological infrastructure, often referred to as HITI.
HITI refers to large technology-related developments that require significant infrastructure support.
Data centers, which house computer servers used to store and process digital information, are one example of the type of facility that can fall under that category.
True said his role with Barren County is advisory and focused on helping local officials understand potential infrastructure, environmental and land-use impacts associated with major developments.
“Through The Kentucky Steward LLC, my work is focused on helping everyday Kentuckians and Kentucky communities navigate complex infrastructure, environmental, land-use, and development issues,” True said.
True said he does not design data centers and does not currently work for data center developers.
“On the contrary, my work is centered on assisting local communities, public bodies, and stakeholders who need technical support when major development proposals may affect land use, water resources, public infrastructure, utility systems, ratepayers, the environment, or long-term community welfare,” he said.
True’s professional background includes work involving water and wastewater systems, geotechnical engineering, environmental issues and large-scale construction projects.
True was the primary author of House Bill 937 during the 2026 Kentucky legislative session, a proposal that sought to establish statewide standards for the siting, construction and operation of high-intensity technological infrastructure.
Among its provisions, the bill would have allowed local governments to adopt stricter requirements while establishing additional review standards for HITI projects.
Those standards included project owner disclosures, community impact reports, public notice to nearby residents, site review plans and conditions designed to reduce impacts on surrounding areas.
True said his approach is focused on helping communities create a transparent process before major developments are considered.
“My position on data centers is not simply ‘pro’ or ‘anti.’ I am pro-community, pro-transparency, pro-stakeholder, and pro-Kentuckian,” True said. “I believe communities should not be forced into a false choice between economic development and protecting their land, water, infrastructure, ratepayers, and long-term future.”
True said communities can face challenges when they either reject major developments without a defensible process or approve projects without adequate review and protections.
“My goal is to help local governments avoid being placed in a reactive or disadvantaged position and instead establish a thoughtful review framework that protects all stakeholders,” he said.
True emphasized that his role with Barren County is advisory and that final decisions regarding planning and zoning regulations will remain with local officials.
“I am not speaking for the Planning and Zoning Commission, and any final decisions, legal review, or ordinance adoption process remain with the appropriate public officials and legal counsel,” True said.
Barren County held public meetings in July to gather input from residents as officials work through the process of creating countywide planning and zoning regulations.
Additional public meetings are scheduled for Aug. 10 from 5-7 p.m. at Park City Elementary School and Aug. 13 from 5-7 p.m. at Hiseville Elementary School.
