Data Centers Power Wisconsin Construction Boom Despite Public Backlash
Data center construction in Mount Pleasant, Port Washington and Beaver Dam is contributing to Wisconsin’s construction and manufacturing job growth. The projects are also driving new power infrastructure and business expansion, despite strong public opposition to further data center development.
Data center projects in Mount Pleasant, Port Washington and Beaver Dam are helping drive Wisconsin’s construction boom, although state workforce data cannot isolate how many jobs are directly tied to the facilities. Microsoft has completed the first phase of its Mount Pleasant campus, construction continues in Port Washington, and Meta’s Beaver Dam project is expected to support about 1,000 construction jobs. Union construction leaders say thousands of workers are involved across the projects, with additional phases and campuses expected to sustain employment for years.
The developments are also increasing demand for electricity and related infrastructure. A state regulatory draft report projects Wisconsin’s peak power demand could rise more than 40% by 2032, with over 70% of the increase linked to data centers, while WEC Energy Group pursues new generation, storage and pipeline projects. Manufacturers including Generac, Modine Manufacturing and Foxconn are expanding or benefiting from data center-related demand. The growth comes amid significant public opposition, with 67% of respondents in an August Marquette Law School Poll supporting a one-year ban on data center development.