Commissioners approve new funding requests, hear suggestions for data center ordinance

During a Franklin County commissioners meeting, public comment was heard from David Fuller, a licensed professional engineer and Fayetteville resident, who provided suggestions for improving the county's proposed data center ordinance. Fuller, who has worked on similar projects in the region, advised that the significant electricity needs of data centers require utility upgrades that should be paid for by the data centers rather than passed on to other customers. He also recommended including diesel generator noise limits and requiring surety bonds to ensure proper decommissioning and site restoration. The commissioners also approved funding requests for various local organizations, including the historical society, conservation district, and career and tech center. Additionally, they accepted a $48,000 donation from Centene Corporation's Pennsylvania Health and Wellness program for the county's senior centers.