Union County chairman says out‑of‑state firm has inquired about a possible data center near the old power plant

At a regular meeting of the Union County board, the county chairman reported he has been contacted repeatedly by a consultant representing a Pennsylvania company that has expressed interest in land near the county’s old power plant as a possible site for a large data center.

The chairman, who spoke during committee reports and public discussion, said the firm indicated it prefers to be self‑sufficient, arranging on‑site power and its own water treatment for cooling. "They're from Pennsylvania, and they're a pretty good sized company. They do data centers," he said, adding he was not telling the public that a data center will be built but that the company had contacted him about property and infrastructure options.

Why it matters: such a project, if pursued, could affect the county’s property tax base and create local jobs, but it could also raise questions about utility impacts, water use and permitting. Board members asked whether the firm’s plans would affect local electricity bills and whether security or noise buffers would be required; the chairman said he will continue to seek details at upcoming public and interagency meetings.

Board members also said the potential for river‑port development nearby was discussed at a separate meeting the chairman attended, and that port activity would require federal inspection and customs if it handles international shipments. The chairman said some details are documented in the courthouse meeting minutes from February and that he plans to attend a public meeting in the coming days to gather more information.

The chairman repeatedly cautioned that the information in the minutes and at the meeting represents early outreach and rumor rather than a confirmed development. "I'm not saying what's coming in. I wanna be clear about that," he said. He invited any residents with questions to contact him and said he will report back after the public meetings.

The board did not take any formal action on the matter during the meeting; members discussed the potential impacts and confirmed any regulatory approvals or local permits would be considered only if a formal proposal is presented.