ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Buchanan County’s Planning and Zoning Department says it has no records related to any proposed or approved data center within its files, according to an official response provided under Missouri’s Sunshine Law.
The response was sent to WRJE following a request seeking records related to data center development within Buchanan County.
In the letter, Planning and Zoning Specialist Rhanda Shreve stated that a search of department records found no responsive documents.
“No applications for a data center have been submitted to or filed with the Planning and Zoning Department, and this office has no information or documents pertaining to a proposed or approved data center.”
The department further stated that, as a result, no records are available for production in response to the request.
The response applies specifically to records maintained by the Buchanan County Planning and Zoning Department and does not necessarily address records that may exist within other governmental entities or departments.
Continuing Public Records Review
WRJE has submitted multiple Sunshine Law requests to various agencies seeking information regarding reports and community discussion surrounding a possible data center project in the St. Joseph area.
Those requests include inquiries to agencies that may possess records involving:
- Utility infrastructure
- Economic development
- Land acquisition
- Public incentives
- Government correspondence
- Planning documents
As responses are received, WRJE will continue publishing them so the public can review the official records for themselves.
Commitment to Transparency
Missouri’s Sunshine Law is intended to provide citizens access to public government records and promote transparency in governmental decision-making.
At this time, the Buchanan County Planning and Zoning Department reports that it has no records indicating a proposed or approved data center has been submitted through its office.
WRJE will continue following responses from other agencies as they become available.
Document Summary
- Agency: Buchanan County Planning and Zoning Department
- Response Date: July 2026
- Finding: No applications, planning documents, or other records relating to a proposed or approved data center were located within department records.
- Status: Additional Sunshine Law requests remain pending with other agencies.
