County sets guidelines for data centers
Mifflin County Commissioners have approved an amendment to the county's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, establishing new requirements and guidelines for data center construction and development. This proactive measure aims to ensure future data center projects in the county align with local infrastructure and planning priorities.
At a recent Mifflin County Commissioners meeting in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, discussion focused on data centers, a topic Commissioner Rob Postal noted is gaining statewide attention. Postal, who had met with commissioners from other Pennsylvania counties, highlighted Mifflin County's proactive approach in addressing data center development through an amendment to its Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
The amendment, under review since March, was praised by Postal, who commended the county planning commission and Director Jim Lettiere for their detailed work. The new guidelines establish requirements for data center construction and development in municipalities governed by the ordinance, with officials having analyzed similar measures from other counties to ensure practicality and defensibility.
Following a public hearing, the Commissioners voted to amend the ordinance and introduced Ordinance 2 of 2026. This ordinance outlines expectations for site planning, construction standards, and operational considerations, aiming to ensure future data center development aligns with local priorities and does not outpace infrastructure capacity. Postal noted that Mifflin County is now ahead of many other counties grappling with similar issues.