Shreveport Councilwoman Bowman Impressed with Virginia Data Centers During Fact-Finding Trip
Shreveport City Councilwoman Ursula Bowman says she is returning from Virginia with a clearer picture of what a large-scale data center could mean for her district. Bowman toured multiple facilities during an eight hour turnaround trip, a visit she made to answer questions her constituents have been asking for weeks.
Noise Levels Much Lower Than Expected
Bowman said her primary mission was to understand how loud a data center truly is. She walked the perimeter, stepped inside cooling areas, and even stood on the roof when a generator activated.
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According to Bowman, the sound was so minimal she did not realize the generator was even running until it was pointed out to her. Nearby neighborhoods were “very quiet,” she added, with kids playing outside and a shopping center just steps away.
A View of What Shreveport Could Receive
Bowman says the Virginia site matched the size and style of the facility proposed for Shreveport. She described the buildings as modern and well landscaped, comparing the campus to a small college.
She noted the company emphasized being a strong community partner, even installing walking trails and other amenities for nearby neighborhoods.
Shreveport Water Use and Infrastructure Concerns Addressed
Residents in District G have repeatedly asked Bowman whether water pressure or monthly bills could rise. She said those concerns were discussed with Shreveport’s water leadership before and after the trip.
Bowman believes the company’s required upgrades to the water system could benefit Shreveport long term and does not expect the project to harm current customers.
Staffing Expectations and Next Steps
Bowman said each Virginia center operated with three shifts of roughly 50 employees, matching the 150 job commitment made for the proposed Shreveport site. She plans to host neighborhood meetings, share photos from the visit once cleared by the company, and continue answering questions before the December 18 council vote.
Bowman’s takeaway was direct. She said she arrived in Virginia with questions but returned with confidence that the project can be a good fit for her district if protections and expectations are clearly written into the agreement.