County seeks $250,000 SRBC grant to preserve groundwater-recharge farmland; commissioners raise data-center water concerns

The Cumberland County Planning Department asked commissioners Dec. 18 to approve an application to the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) for a $250,000 Consumptive Use Mitigation Grant to supplement the county's farmland preservation program and protect high groundwater-recharge land in the Cumberland Valley.

"We're seeking to apply to SRBC for $250,000 to supplement the existing farmland preservation program," Stephanie Williams, planning staff, said. She said matching funds would come from the county program and that staff can incorporate SRBC funds into ongoing preservation projects.

A commissioner raised the connection between groundwater protection and proposed data-center water demands, asking whether SRBC has an official policy around data centers and whether the commission regulates water withdrawals. Williams said SRBC regulates certain withdrawals and is "well aware of the issue," but she could not confirm a specific SRBC policy on data centers; she added that SRBC staff will present at upcoming meetings and at the county's data center forum, giving opportunities for engagement.

Commissioners also heard liaison updates about the farmland preservation program: the county received 56 applications in the 2026 round (applications covering several thousand acres); staff said, if pending settlements close, the program portfolio could reach about 26,848 acres across 244 farms.

The board voted to approve the SRBC grant application.

Next steps: Staff will prepare the SRBC application and continue to engage SRBC staff at regional meetings and the county data-center forum.