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

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – During public comment during a recent Franklin County Commission meeting, licensed professional engineer and Fayetteville resident David Fuller suggested specific improvements to the proposed data center ordinance.

Introduced two weeks ago, the regulation would set standards for data centers, like being set back from residential homes and generating electricity from on-site solar panels.

Having worked on similar projects in Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia, Fuller said that the significant amount of electricity needed to operate these facilities requires the electrical utility to provide special lines and equipment, a cost which is passed down to all customers.

He advised ensuring any data center pay for the upgraded electrical transmission and capacity in order to avoid increased utility bills for other customers.

Fuller also recommended including diesel powered generators in the noise limits and requiring surety bonds for decommissioning. He said facilities such as these are often owned by “shell companies,” limited-liability corporations which exist only to own some components of a business which can shield the actual owner or operator from having to pay for site clean up once operations cease. Surety bonds are financial guarantees that ensure proper removal of equipment and restoration of the environment to its pre-existing state.

Franklin County declared March to be Red Cross Month and heard from Red Cross Disaster Program Manager and Franklin County native Allen White, Jr. White told commissioners that volunteers for the Red Cross have supported 54 people through nine emergency events since last July. Additionally, they have distributed and installed 122 free smoke alarms for people who cannot afford to purchase and install them, some of which were installed through their partnership with the Chambersburg Fire Department. For information about free smoke alarms or to become a volunteer, visit https://www.redcross.org/local/pennsylvania/greater-pennsylvania/about-us/locations/central-pennsylvania.html.

Commissioners approved funding requests for the county historical society, conservation district, law library, career and tech center, and services for victims of domestic violence, among other allocations.

The county received no bids for election equipment transportation. Commissioners approved revising and reposting the bid in order to create more interest, joking that if they have no responses, Commissioner John Flannery may be tasked with the deliveries and pickup.

Finally, the county accepted a $48,000 donation from Pennsylvania Health and Wellness, a program of Centene Corporation which provides programming for senior centers to keep seniors socially connected and having fun. The donation will distribute $6,000 to each of the eight senior centers in Franklin County.

Franklin County Board of Commissioners will meet next on Wednesday, March 11 at 10 a.m. at the Administration Building (272 N. Second St., Chambersburg) and will be streamed on YouTube.