PPL buys 230 acres in Archbald near Aylesworth Park for $4 million
PPL Electric Utilities bought more than 230 acres in Archbald for $4 million to support future transmission infrastructure, not to build a data center or power plant. The property is near proposed data center campuses and a broader PPL-Blackstone venture, drawing criticism from Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan over potential industrial development in the region.
PPL Electric Utilities acquired more than 230 acres near Aylesworth Park in Archbald from local residents through a negotiated deed in lieu of condemnation. The utility said the property will support transmission-system upgrades and emphasized that the acquisition is separate from PPL Corporation's joint venture with Blackstone Infrastructure and Invitium Energy to explore power plants serving potential data center campuses.
The property is near proposed data center and power infrastructure projects, including Project Green Mountain and the Archbald Mountain transmission project, but PPL said planning remains preliminary and no specific facilities or construction timeline have been determined. The land is zoned for resource conservation, where public utility facilities may be allowed as special exceptions. Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan criticized the acquisition and broader plans for data centers, power plants and transmission infrastructure, arguing that residents could bear the environmental and community costs.