Data center developers boasted partnership with JCCC. College says not the case
Data center developers Beale Infrastructure and DAMAC Digital Solutions claimed partnerships with Johnson County Community College (JCCC) for workforce development in De Soto and Edgerton, Kansas. JCCC has denied these claims, stating no such partnerships or funding arrangements exist. One of the projects in Edgerton was recently denied by the Planning Commission and is now appealed to the City Council for a vote.
Data center developers Beale Infrastructure and DAMAC Digital Solutions have faced public scrutiny in Johnson County, Kansas, after Johnson County Community College (JCCC) denied claims of active partnerships. Beale Infrastructure, developing a $3 billion campus in De Soto, stated it was "actively engaged" with JCCC to foster "workforce and educational partnerships." JCCC, however, contradicted this, asserting that no such agreement or discussions for a formal partnership exist. Beale also announced a $250,000 community investment fund for De Soto and JCCC, which the college also refuted.
Similarly, Dubai-based DAMAC Digital Solutions, proposing a 382,924-square-foot data center in Edgerton, publicized on its website that it was exploring partnerships with JCCC to train local residents for data center careers. JCCC officials again issued a statement clarifying that no discussions or established partnerships with DAMAC are in place.
The pushback from JCCC highlights growing pressure on data center developers to demonstrate positive community engagement amidst increasing local and national resistance over environmental and health concerns. The DAMAC project in Edgerton recently faced a denial from the Edgerton Planning Commission in June and is now appealed, with the City Council scheduled to vote on July 16.