By David A. Scearce

When plans were announced to redevelop the former Titus Station property in Cumru Township into a large-scale artificial intelligence data center, many residents asked what this means for our community.

Data centers are arguably as essential to the modern economy as factories once were, but they also place new demands on infrastructure and raise questions about national resilience and security. The following examines the broader implications, both local and nationwide, and offers a balanced view of the benefits and challenges ahead.

New kind of infrastructure load

AI-optimized data centers are not ordinary server farms. They require enormous amounts of electricity to power advanced processors and cooling systems. A single facility can draw 100 to 300 megawatts, which is comparable to a small city.

Because the Titus Station site is already tied into a major transmission node, it is attractive for redevelopment, but that means the project will influence the regional grid, not just the immediate neighborhood.

Nationally, the rapid growth of AI computing is forcing utilities to accelerate transmission upgrades, build newsubstations and rethink long-term capacity planning. The Titus project is a local example of a much larger trend: The United States is entering a period when digital infrastructure growth is outpacing grid expansion.

If the project proceeds, residents should expect discussions about grid reliability, rate impacts and who paysfor required upgrades. These are not unique to Berks County; they are part of a national conversation abouthow to modernize the grid for a datadriven economy.

Foreign interference risk

It is reasonable for citizens to ask whether foreign actors might try to influence or slow the United States’ ability to build the digital infrastructure needed for AI leadership. This is not speculation; it reflects concerns raised by national security analysts and federal agencies.

To be clear, there is no public evidence that the Titus Station project itself is subject to foreign interference. But the broader pattern is well documented:

• Cyberattacks on U.S. utilities have increased, with federal agencies attributing some activity to foreignstatelinked groups.

• Supply chain vulnerabilities in transformers, power electronics, and server hardware have beenidentified as nationalsecurity risks.

• Disinformation campaigns sometimes target infrastructure projects to create local opposition or delaypermitting.

• Competition for semiconductor and AI leadership has geopolitical implications, and adversarialnations may seek to indirectly slow U.S. infrastructure buildout.

These risks do not mean communities should fear development. Rather, they underscore the importance oftransparent permitting, rigorous cybersecurity standards and coordination with federal agencies whenlarge digital infrastructure projects are proposed.

A well-informed community is harder to manipulate, and public oversight is a strength, not a vulnerability.

Pros and cons for Berks

Potential benefits:

• Economic revitalization: A data center can significantly increase the local tax base, especially on a sitethat previously generated industrial revenue.

• Construction employment: Hundreds of skilled trades jobs may be created during the buildout phase.

• Infrastructure investment: Developers often fund upgrades to substations, fiber networks and accessroads.

• Reuse of an industrial site: Redeveloping Titus Station avoids placing industrial load on farmland orresidential areas.

Potential challenges:

• Electricity demand: A large data center could require grid upgrades that may affect regional electricityrates.

• Water consumption: Depending on cooling technology, the facility could use millions of gallons per day.

• Noise and emissions: Backup generators and cooling equipment require careful regulation to protectnearby residents.

• Limited long-term jobs: After construction, data centers typically employ only a few dozen people.

• Transparency concerns: Residents deserve clear information about environmental impacts, emergencyplanning, and longterm commitments.

A path forward

The Titus Station redevelopment is neither inherently good nor inherently bad. It is a major infrastructuredecision, and like all such decisions, it requires informed public engagement. The community should insist on:

• Transparent environmental and gridimpact studies

• Clear wateruse and emissions limits

• Strong cybersecurity and supply chain protections

• A communitybenefit agreement that reflects local priorities

• Ongoing public reporting on energy and water use

Handled well, the project could bring meaningful benefits while minimizing risks. Handled poorly, it could strain local resources and leave residents with long-term costs.

The future of the Titus Station site is still being shaped. Our community has the opportunity and theresponsibility to ensure that whatever is built there strengthens both Berks County and the nation’s digitalresilience.

David A. Scearce is director of AZ Engineering, Temple.