Data centers and transportation funding see MD leaders debate at yearly MACo Conference
Washington County, Maryland, has enacted a one-year moratorium on new AI data centers to study their impact on the power grid, water supply, and infrastructure. County officials are gathering information and exploring potential conditions for future data center development, citing concerns over Maryland's electricity import reliance and potable water use for cooling.
Washington County, Maryland, has implemented a one-year moratorium on new AI data centers. This decision, enacted roughly six weeks ago, allows county officials to thoroughly study the potential impact of these facilities on the local power grid, water supply, and overall infrastructure. Washington County Commission President John Barr highlighted that data centers, particularly those supporting artificial intelligence, pose significant challenges for Maryland, which already imports over half of its electricity needs and faces growing demand.
Barr expressed concerns about the substantial amount of potable water that large data centers might require for cooling, advocating for alternative cooling methods and non-potable water sources. He cited a project in Frederick County at the former Eastalcoa plant, which utilizes existing electrical infrastructure and gray water for cooling, as a potential model for Washington County. County officials, including Administrator Michelle Gordon, are actively gathering information and attending symposiums to learn more about the industry and develop appropriate conditions for future data center development. They are also considering what other jurisdictions have done to regulate data centers.
In addition to data center discussions, county officials attended the annual Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) conference in Ocean City to advocate for major transportation projects, particularly the expansion of Interstate 81. Jim Kercheval, executive director of the Greater Hagerstown Committee, emphasized the importance of building relationships with state leaders to influence decisions affecting Washington County. The transportation budget, however, remains flat, with no new projects expected to be added to the state's six-year capital plan, potentially delaying I-81 Phase 2B. Phase 2A, extending I-81 improvements from Williamsport to the I-70 interchange, is expected to proceed as planned with construction beginning this spring.