Provided photo
Pictured is a conceptual rendering of a proposed data center. Image was made available via a presentation prepared for local officials by Pennsylvania Data Center Partners and PowerHouse Data Centers.

GRANVILLE — A developer presentation outlining a proposed data center campus in Granville Township was made available during a contentious township meeting Monday, where nearly 200 residents pressed officials and project representatives for answers about water use, power consumption, infrastructure impacts and transparency surrounding the potential development.

The 16-page presentation, prepared by Pennsylvania Data Center Partners and PowerHouse Data Centers, describes a proposed data center development in Granville Township that developers say could generate millions of dollars in tax revenue, create jobs and fund infrastructure improvements while emphasizing environmental stewardship and community engagement.

According to the presentation, growing demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other digital services is driving the need for additional data center capacity nationwide. Developers describe the project as an opportunity to bring investment and long-term economic growth to Mifflin County.

Among the most significant claims in the presentation are projections of annual tax revenue totaling $22.5 million. Developers estimate the project could generate approximately $4.7 million for Granville Township, $5.6 million for Mifflin County and $12.2 million for the Mifflin County School District.

The presentation states those figures would represent a 433.5% increase in township real estate tax revenue, a 40.7% increase in county revenue and a 49% increase in school district revenue. Developers also estimate indirect economic activity associated with the project could generate more than $45 million in additional state and local tax revenue.

The presentation projects approximately 150 permanent jobs at the facility, with entry-level positions starting between $25 and $27 per hour and professional positions ranging from $70,000 to $125,000 annually. During construction, developers estimate the project would support between 130 and 230 construction jobs and create approximately 300 indirect jobs.

Developers argue that data centers generate more tax revenue per acre than many other forms of development while producing less traffic and requiring fewer public services. A comparison included in the presentation rates data centers as having “very low” daily traffic and public service demand while producing “very high” tax revenue per acre.

The presentation was shown publicly during Monday’s meeting, which drew one of the largest crowds in recent township history. Residents repeatedly sought details about the facility’s projected water consumption, electricity demand, traffic generation and potential effects on nearby properties.

Several residents also expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of transparency surrounding the project. Questions were raised about why township supervisors were not informed of an April meeting involving representatives connected to the proposed development, and residents urged officials to provide more information and continue holding public meetings as discussions move forward.

The presentation also states the proposed site was selected in part because it is concentrated in the center of the township and away from preserved agricultural areas. Developers say the location offers sufficient setbacks, buffering opportunities and access to existing power and fiber infrastructure.

Several pages focus on environmental protections and community impacts. The presentation pledges to protect groundwater and surface water resources, preserve wildlife habitat, restore streams and wetlands, and utilize water-efficient cooling technologies. Developers also state they would meet or exceed environmental regulations and work with local officials throughout the planning process.

The company also proposes investments in infrastructure, including upgrades to sewer and water systems, local roads, electric utilities and fiber networks. Renderings depict a landscaped campus featuring setbacks, berms and vegetative screening intended to reduce visibility from nearby roads and properties.

While the presentation highlights projected economic benefits, it does not identify the anticipated electrical load of the facility, how much water it would consume, how many acres would be developed, the overall project cost, a construction timeline or whether tax incentives would be requested. It also does not include traffic study data or provide detailed calculations supporting its revenue projections. Those omissions mirror many of the questions raised by residents during Monday’s meeting, where concerns centered on water use, energy demand, infrastructure capacity, environmental impacts and the overall scale of the proposed development.

Residents also questioned how a project of this size could affect local utilities, emergency services and future growth in the township. Others asked officials what authority the township would have to regulate the development if a formal application is submitted.

Developers conclude the presentation by pledging to work with township and county officials, conduct public outreach and support community infrastructure projects if the development moves forward.

The presentation is the most detailed public look to date at the project being discussed in Granville Township, though many of the technical and operational details sought by residents remain unanswered.

Attempts to contact project developers were not immediately successful.