BY Jeffry Dence, Board of Supervisors, Falls Township
As township supervisors across Pennsylvania are increasingly asked to consider data center proposals, Falls Township in Bucks County recently went through that process and found that context and infrastructure matter as much as the project itself.
In our case, a data center was proposed at a former U.S. Steel property along the Delaware River, now owned by NorthPoint Development. The site sits next to an existing Waste Management landfill and has long been zoned and used for heavy industry. From the outset, this was not a greenfield project, but a repurpose of land that supported large-scale industrial operations for generations.
One of the factors that simplified our decision was Pennsylvania’s position within the PJM regional power grid. (PJM stands for Pennsylvania, Jersey, Maryland). The Commonwealth generates more electricity for transmission organization than any other state, making it a practical location for energy-intensive uses where robust infrastructure already exists. Here, the former steel mill had high-capacity electrical systems in place, reducing the need for new substations and transmission lines through residential areas. The developer also entered into their own agreements with the power company to upgrade the infrastructure as needed, at no cost to the township.
Economic impact was another important consideration. Falls Township and much of the surrounding region owe their very existence to U.S. Steel’s Fairless Works, making the mill’s closure a defining economic blow to local employment and the tax base. While data centers are not labor-intensive in the traditional sense, many of their permanent positions prioritize industry certifications over four-year degrees, reflecting the strong technical and skilled-trade workforce that has long characterized Falls Township. Additionally, the construction phase, long-term operations, and increased assessed value of the property were meaningful features for our community.
We also spent significant time addressing concerns about water usage and environmental impact, which we know are top of mind for residents and elected officials alike. Our examination found the site already had a separate industrial service water system that draws directly from the Delaware River. That system distributes water across the property, treats excess water on-site, and discharges it back into the river in compliance with environmental regulations. Importantly, it is completely independent from domestic water supplies, ensuring no interaction with local drinking water systems.
Our experience reinforces that data center proposals should be evaluated on a site-specific basis. When located on legacy industrial properties with existing power and water infrastructure, these projects can return underutilized land to productive use without placing new burdens on surrounding neighborhoods. Clear agreements, upfront infrastructure planning, and transparency with the community were essential to reaching a decision we believe best serves Falls Township.
Article from the February 2026 Municipal Reporter | Pennsylvania Data Centers Edition
