Construction Growth Hasn’t Disappeared. It Has Moved
The article describes how construction growth is shifting toward data centers and power infrastructure as overall U.S. construction spending declines. It highlights opportunities for contractors across North Carolina and South Carolina, but does not identify a specific data center project or company.
U.S. construction spending is expected to decline in 2026, but data centers, power infrastructure and facility modernization remain growth areas, according to FMI’s latest outlook. Data center investment is being driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services, while related demand is expanding into substations, electrical distribution, cooling, backup power and telecommunications infrastructure.
The Carolinas are identified as a region positioned to benefit from these trends because of population growth, established utilities, manufacturing activity and technology investment. The article advises contractors to develop specialized capabilities, manage complex projects and pursue supporting electrical and mechanical work, while noting that opportunities vary by market and are not tied to any specific developer or project.