Trades representatives: Dubuque County data center would create thousands of construction jobs
Dubuque County trades representatives told supervisors that a proposed hyperscale data center could create thousands of construction jobs and generate long-term economic benefits. They supported county regulations addressing issues such as noise, water, electricity and accountability, while cautioning that overly restrictive rules could deter future development.
Union representatives urged Dubuque County supervisors to support a proposed hyperscale data center, citing the potential for thousands of construction jobs, apprenticeships, permanent employment and increased business activity. Zach Shireman of Dubuque Building Trades, Tim Brehm of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 704 and Seth Gorman of Iron Workers Local 89 said the project could become the county's largest construction opportunity and produce lasting infrastructure and tax benefits.
The representatives acknowledged community concerns about water use, electricity demand, roads, noise and accountability. Shireman said the county should include safeguards such as noise limits in its data center ordinance, but warned that excessive restrictions could limit Dubuque County's future growth. Steve Peake, a member of a citizen accountability group, said regulations should balance the project's potential benefits against its risks.