Our Mission
At Franklin Forward, we aim to share information and insights about the potential development of tech and a data storage and service center in the Franklin, Kentucky area. We believe in the power of technology to transform communities and create new opportunities.
#FRANKLINSUPPORTSDATA
WATER
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DSSCs use a lot of the Community's water for cooling of their computer and equipment
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Franklin-Simpson does not have excess water available to allocate to a DSSC.
The proposed DSSC will utilize a mix of current air & dry cooling system much like your home air conditioner loop. New closed loop waterless technology is advancing every day to be natural resource friendly.
All systems for the DSSC in Franklin - Simpson will not use City water for its cooling process.
POWER
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- DSSCs will take all of our power.
- Will Cause black-outs & brown-outs.
- Drive up our electricity rates $$$.
- Raise our Taxes.
FACT
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TVA and Warren Rural Electric do not have the electric or infrastructure available to power a DSSC project.
The proposed DSSC will manufacture its own power via Natural Gas as a raw material and use Turbine technology with battery storage on site completely off the existing City grid. They will also capture its exhaust heat from its manufacturing process to assist in making cooling as part of a closed loop system.
All permits will be obtained under City, State, and Federal Regulations
It will also have the opportunity to provide electricity back to the Grid to help out during peak demand like the Summer of 2023.
noise and quality of life
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DSSCs create a lot of noise and
hurt residents' quality of life.
DSSC locate near residences
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Any source of sound, including DSSCs and associated systems in an I-2 Zoning can be strategically located to minimize its
Sound levels to <50 decibels.
I-65 traffic is a constant 85 decibels of sound.
Typical Mitigation for Industry:
- Strategic location of the Sound Source using distance
- Tree, Berms, and Landscaping Buffers
- Sound Enclosures & Walls
- Mask Source by located near other fixed sources of sound (Highways)
- Achieve <50 decibels, less than a refrigerator.
Decibel Level chart
Taxes - Incentives & Creation
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TAX ANALYSIS
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DSSCs ask for tax breaks to locate in Communities
DSSC will increase taxes on residents to pay for DSSC infrastructure, i.e. power, water.
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TAX ANALYSIS
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Due to the high demand of DSSCs, they are happy to pay their share of the Community's taxes. In fact, the value of the DSSC on the tax rolls is $Billions which means $Millions in paid taxes>>>
The proposed Franklin - Simpson DSSC will not use the City's Power and Water for its processes.
TAX ANALYSIS
TAX ANALYSIS
TAX ANALYSIS
A $2 Billion Dollar DSSC in Franklin - Simpson would provide the following taxes revenues to benefit its residents and to potentially lower taxes
- School: $11.36 million
- Franklin (city): $2.16 million
- Simpson (county): $2 million
- Library: $1.08 million
- Ambulance: $720,000
- Extension: $360,000
Total: $17.68 million generated in taxes to local government and schools.
JObs
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DSSCs do not create many jobs.
We need more manufacturing jobs!
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The Franklin - Simpson DSSC will provide over a hundred high paying jobs at each facility. They also prop up local businesses and have a downstream effect on job creation. This project will employ 100 to 200 staff earning over $100k per year on average
It can also sponsor STEM Programs at the high school and create new job programs at Tech Schools like Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKYCTC)
The world is changing. Despite manufacturing jobs still being desire, closing of plants like Fritz Winter show the evolution of technology and job for in Kentucky.
Planning and Zoning Text Amendment - vs - Development Process
There has been community confusion regarding the distinction between a zoning text amendment for a DSSC and the process of obtaining approval to construct such a facility. Zoning determines where specific land uses—such as residential, commercial, industrial, or specialized uses like DSSCs—are permitted within a community.
A zoning text amendment modifies the zoning ordinance to allow a new use, such as including DSSCs and associated power generation facilities in an I-2 (Heavy Industrial) zoning district, alongside comparable uses like manufacturing. However, a text amendment only establishes the zoning framework; it does not grant approval to build. All Uses must be allowed somewhere within the established zoning districts. Of all the districts Franklin has created, I-2 (Heavy Industrial) versus any other, say Business or Residential makes the most sense.
To develop a DSSC, a developer must submit an application to the City of Franklin’s Planning Department, which triggers a comprehensive review process. This typically includes a detailed development checklist—often encompassing dozens of criteria—evaluated by the city’s engineering department. The project must also secure “will-serve” letters from utility providers, confirming the availability of essential services like water, sewer, and electricity. If the city lacks the capacity to support the project or if the proposal fails to meet planning and zoning requirements, the developer must revise the project to comply or it cannot proceed.
Additionally, DSSC projects are subject to rigorous state and federal regulations, including environmental, energy, and safety standards, which require separate applications, approvals, and ongoing compliance monitoring for things like air quality and noise levels.
The bottom line is that there are safeguards, processes and procedures already in place to safeguard the things that Franklin, as a community, have decided it is important to safeguard, like access to water, clean air and power.
Link to Development Plan Checklist
Franklin Forward 2045 & the DSSC Opportunity
Economic Development Goals
Franklin Forward 2045 supports "sustained vitality" via diversification; DSSCs fit "light industrial" in Growth Zones Map, enhancing I-65 logistics without ag encroachment. Franklin county projects 25K population by 2045, needing $B+ investments. Tech and DSSCs are a direct path to meet this goal.
Land Use and Zoning Integration
Future Land-Use Map designates Steele Rd-area for industrial expansion; I-2 amendments enable "clean" tech like DSSCs, per plan's infrastructure chapter. These land uses avoid sprawl by buffering residential zones.
Environmental/Community Cautions
Stressing sustainability (e.g., renewables, low-impact growth); data and tech focused projects comply with this by utilizing air-cooled/self-powered setups, addressing water/energy goals. Community input informs transparency, creating leverage for citizen panels.
Infrastructure and Quality of Life
Franklin Forward calls for traffic/utility upgrades where tech could be the answer. Tech and DSSC developments generate onsite power, easing grid load & funding upgrades via taxes, while supporting tourism/parks (e.g., Jim Roberts expansions). The plan's holistic focus (economy, housing, education) ensures tax benefits trickle down, countering "limited gains" fears.