Mifflin County planners release report on data center development
Mifflin County planners released a guidance report for municipalities on data center proposals, outlining their history, community impacts, and energy/water demands. The report emphasizes zoning's role in guiding development, while also noting that a proposed unnamed data center project in Granville Township is generating debate, leading to plans for a public forum.
Mifflin County's Planning and Development Department has issued a new guidance report aimed at assisting local municipalities in evaluating future data center proposals. Released on Thursday, the document provides an overview of data center development in Pennsylvania and nationwide, along with their potential local impacts. The planning commission clarified that the report's purpose is to offer accurate, pertinent information rather than to endorse or reject data center siting.
The report highlights how zoning ordinances and subdivision and land development ordinances (SALDO) can empower municipalities to regulate the location and construction methods of data centers, while also noting that outright prohibition of a specific land use through zoning is not permissible. It also addresses economic impacts, suggesting that while on-site job creation from data centers is limited, construction phases can generate temporary economic activity in local businesses.
Furthermore, the document delves into the significant resource demands of data centers, particularly hyperscale facilities, which can consume 50 to 100 megawatts of electricity
as well as millions of gallons of water daily. The Mifflin County Municipal Authority, which serves over 11,700 customers, reported an average daily production of 2.8 million gallons and a maximum capacity of 6 million gallons, indicating that it would likely struggle to supply more than 3 million gallons per day to a single large customer while maintaining reserves.
The issue of data center development has already become a local discussion point, spurred by an unnamed data center project proposed in Granville Township. Mifflin County officials have requested a public forum to address community concerns, though Commissioner Kevin Kodish noted that the event might be delayed until late June as the Granville Township Planning Commission seeks a new solicitor.