Delta Left Out of Mississippi Data Center Boom

GREENVILLE, Miss. — It’s no secret the Mississippi Delta is one of the poorest regions in the state — and the nation. “We made the decision that Mississippi was going to compete with the best in the world, that we were going to invest in workforce development,” said Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican. Yet many of those large-scale investments — including data centers — continue to land outside the Delta. For some residents, that’s a missed opportunity. “I think it would be very helpful to bring one here to Mississippi, to the Delta. They’ll bring, I guess, more jobs,” said Jaylan Gills of Greenville. Others say the facilities could also spark interest in technology and education. “It’ll help the community a lot. That way, like some elderly people don’t know the computing systems and maybe that would educate them in that field,” said Ted Taylor of Greenville. Experts say data centers can provide a more stable tax base, create jobs — often higher-paying ones — and drive infrastructure improvements. But they also come with concerns. Data centers can strain power grids and water supplies, potentially drive up utility costs, and often create fewer long-term jobs than some expect. Still, for many in the Delta, the need for opportunity outweighs the risks. “Bring more activities for the youth and give us something to do, you know?” Gills said. For now, the Delta remains on the sidelines of the growing industry. But some residents say they’re ready for a chance to compete.