Data Centers are here to stay; proponent says localities need to get on board
Botetourt County, Virginia, is preparing for the construction of three Google data centers despite some local opposition. A proponent for American Technology Leadership advocates for localities to embrace data center development, citing the reliance of AI on these facilities and economic benefits.
Doug Kelly, CEO of the American Edge Project, a coalition advocating for "American Technology Leadership," emphasized that data centers are essential infrastructure for artificial intelligence and are here to stay. He urged localities, including those in Virginia, to embrace their development.
His comments come as Botetourt County, Virginia, is preparing for the construction of three planned Google data centers at the Greenfield industrial park campus. The project is moving forward despite some local opposition.
Botetourt County officials project that Google's investment in the Greenfield Center will bring at least $18 million over the initial five years, a sum that includes funding for capital projects. Kelly stressed the crucial role of local government leadership in fostering future growth related to technology infrastructure.