Agreement Between Washington Wilkes Payroll Development Authority and CleanSpark Provides Some Insight but Leads to More Questions

The agreement signed by Sam Moore, Wilkes County commissioner, on September 18, 2026 does not have an effective date nor is it signed by CleanSpark. The document was provided by the county in response to a request for any non disclosure agreements between the county and regarding a data center. It unclear if the document has been signed by CleanSpark. 

The agreement indicates the land is owned by the Reynolds Family and the WWPDA (Washington Wilkes Payroll Development Authority) at some point, this is also not known, obtained from the Reynolds' the option to purchase the property. They have transferred their option to purchase to CleanSpark. According to the agreement CleanSpark has the right to do testing on the land and has no obligation to purchase it. If CleanSpark does purchase the land, the WWPDA will receive $142,450.000 for costs it has incurred in relation to the agreement. The Reynolds' will receive a payment that is not disclosed.

CleanSpark will receive significant incentives including a payment in lieu of taxes also often referred to as a "PILOT" incentive. It is not indicated what that payment amount is. It is fairly common to offer such incentives to non-profit entities or to entice companies to do business.

There is a non disclosure portion of the agreement.

Many citizens of the city of Washington and Wilkes County are voicing concern over the data center and asking for more transparency from city and county officials.

You can see the agreement below.