Fit Energy predicts major tax windfall amid skeptical public over Newport Twp. data center project
Fit Energy is proposing a $35 billion campus with 15 data centers on 1,386 acres of former mine and quarry land in Newport Township. The company presented projected tax benefits and technical information, but residents remain skeptical and have criticized the township’s zoning change allowing data centers in broad areas.
Fit Energy presented information about its proposed 15-data-center campus in Newport Township at an event held at Greater Nanticoke Area High School. The Jupiter, Florida-based company says the $35 billion project could generate tens of millions of dollars annually in property-tax revenue for Newport Township and the Greater Nanticoke Area School District, while repurposing 1,386 acres of former mine and quarry land.
Fit Energy CEO Joel Leonoff described the project as an economic development opportunity for a region affected by mine closures and economic decline. Consultants from KCI Technologies discussed potential noise, water-use and air-quality issues, but some residents criticized the event because no Fit Energy representative was publicly available during the session. Residents have also objected to Newport Township commissioners’ April zoning ordinance change allowing data centers by right in large portions of the township.
Township commissioners said the project would still face a tiered approval process, including land-development and building-permit reviews as well as state and environmental approvals. The site is owned by Newport Aggregate Inc., and Fit Energy said its partner FuelCell Energy brings data-center-related fuel-cell experience to the proposal.