Pennsylvania approves zoning for a $1.4B data center project involving 194 families and 4,466 acres

Local officials in a rural Pennsylvania community have approved new zoning rules, bringing 194 local families one step closer to a possible $1.4 billion land deal for a large technology and energy campus. The Salem Township Board of Supervisors voted 2-0 on 27 October 2026 to expand the area's Special Data Center Overlay district, according to GlobeNewswire. The decision covers 4,466 acres of farmland, homes, and former agricultural properties in Luzerne County. The land has been selected for the proposed Salem 3 Campus. Despite this important approval, the multi-billion-dollar deal is not yet final. It still depends on completed property contracts, power agreements, and other required project approvals. A proposed $12 million micro-hospital, which is part of a community benefits package, also depends on final agreements.High-capacity energy hub attracts tech developersThe project plans to build a 4-gigawatt digital infrastructure and energy campus by using the large amount of electricity already generated in the township. Salem Township is part of the PJM Interconnection wholesale electricity market. It is also home to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant and a major combined-cycle...