FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear said he was not informed in advance about a proposed $100 billion data center investment in Paducah that Republican state officials announced this week, raising questions about the project's development and state involvement.

The data center project, announced in McCracken County, has drawn Republican support across the state, with party officials touting it as a major economic development opportunity for the region and Kentucky's future competitiveness in technology infrastructure.

Beshear's comments suggest tension between the Democratic governor and Republican lawmakers over how major economic development announcements are coordinated at the state level. The governor indicated he has concerns about the project's details, financing structure, and how state resources or incentives might be involved without his prior knowledge.

Data centers have become increasingly important to states' economic development strategies, as companies seek locations to house servers and computing infrastructure. Kentucky has positioned itself as an attractive option due to its energy infrastructure and geographic location.

The exact details of the proposed investment, including the private company involved, timeline for construction, and anticipated jobs, were not immediately clear from the initial announcement. State officials are expected to provide more information about the project in coming weeks.

The disagreement reflects broader political divisions in Kentucky over economic policy and the governor's role in major business announcements. Beshear's office indicated it would seek additional details about the project's terms and any state incentives that may have been promised.