Amazon Web Services outlines Kline Twp. data center plans
Amazon Web Services presented updates on its 380-acre data center campus in Kline Township, Schuylkill County, addressing concerns about water use, electricity grid impact, and environmental footprint. The company plans to submit formal land development plans to the Kline Township Planning Commission. A resident expressed strong opposition to the presentation and threatened legal action against county commissioners over an unrelated alleged incident.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) representatives appeared before the Schuylkill County Commissioners to provide an update on their proposed 380-acre tech campus in Kline Township, Pennsylvania. Upcoming public sessions are scheduled for June 30 and July 1 at McAdoo Elementary School, where AWS will present its formal "major modification" land development plans to the Kline Twp. Planning Commission.
Becky Ford, AWS lead of economic development, and attorney Jeff Wilhelm addressed commissioner and public concerns. Wilhelm clarified the data center's water use, stating an agreement for up to 15,000 gallons daily for everyday needs and up to 100,000 gallons daily for cooling, primarily using ambient air 96% of the year. Ford assured that AWS covers all equipment costs for electrical service, preventing rate increases for residents, and PPL representatives will be at public meetings to discuss rates. Regarding environmental impact, Wilhelm noted two-story buildings under 80 feet tall would reduce impervious areas and stormwater runoff, and proximity to Interstate 81 would mitigate noise complaints. The fully built-out nine-building campus is expected to create 400-500 full-time jobs with average salaries between $80,000-$100,000, with AWS collaborating with local colleges for workforce development.
Palo Alto resident Jeff Dunkel criticized the AWS presentation during the public comment section, calling it "very poor" due to perceived vague statements.
Dunkel then shifted his focus to an alleged altercation with Commissioner Barron "Boots" Hetherington, captured on his phone, and threatened a lawsuit against the commissioners for defamatory statements, which Chairman Larry Padora denied, claiming Dunkel was verbally abusive.