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Cumberland County approves energy siting agreement with Silicon Ranch to allow solar facility
Summary
The Cumberland County Commission unanimously approved an energy siting agreement with SR Copeland LLC and Silicon Ranch Corporation on May 18, allowing development of a solar photovoltaic facility on county property after discussion about roads and water use and a verbal commitment by the developer to restrict data centers on the site.
The Cumberland County Commission on May 18 unanimously approved an energy siting agreement with SR Copeland LLC and Silicon Ranch Corporation that clears the way for a solar photovoltaic generating facility on private property in the county.
County Attorney Philip Burnett explained that because Cumberland County has no zoning ordinance, the county faced two options: approve an energy siting agreement that establishes terms for the project or do nothing and allow Silicon Ranch to seek building permits and the protections that a three-year moratorium would afford them. Burnett said the company and its attorneys worked with the county attorney’s office to draft the agreement.
Burnett also told commissioners the county currently lacks specific rules governing data centers and that Silicon Ranch had “verbally agreed to putting language in this agreement stating they would not allow data centers to be constructed on their property.” He added, “Cumberland County does not have any rules pertaining to data centers at this time.”
Public commenters raised local concerns before the vote. Benjamin Nakdimen spoke about Silicon Ranch’s proposed solar farm in Cumberland County, and Jean Cheely asked what water access the project might require now or in the future. Commissioners and staff discussed road impacts and water-use questions raised by residents during the public-comment period.
Commissioner David Gibson moved to adopt Resolution 05-2026-13; Commissioner Tom Isham seconded. The motion carried by unanimous roll-call vote from those present.
The agreement authorizes the developer to construct the photovoltaic facility and a related generation tie line under the terms negotiated with county counsel; the resolution recorded the commission’s approval to enter into the agreement and authorize the mayor to execute associated documents. The county did not adopt separate zoning or data-center regulations at the meeting; Burnett framed the siting agreement as a local option to set project rules while zoning remains absent.
Next steps include executing the siting agreement and any required administrative steps for permitting and road or utility coordination with county and city agencies. The commission did not specify a formal timetable for construction or water-use analyses in the meeting record.
