ABC of Alabama's Reed: Powering tomorrow means building Alabama’s digital infrastructure today
Jay Reed of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama advocates for data center development, emphasizing its importance for the state's economic growth and digital infrastructure. The article addresses common misconceptions about data center power and water usage, citing Google's expansion in Jackson County as an example of responsible development and community partnership.
Jay Reed, President of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama, recently hosted the Powering Tomorrow Data Center Summit to address public debate surrounding data center projects and their impact on Alabama. Reed highlighted that many claims regarding data centers are inaccurate, specifically refuting the idea that they burden ordinary families with power bills. He cited Google's Jackson County campus expansion, noting the company agreed to cover 100% of its power and infrastructure costs, aligning with the industry's commitment to ratepayer protection.
The article also dispelled misinformation about data center water use, explaining that modern facilities utilize closed-loop cooling systems that recycle water. Reed stressed the importance of transparency from operators regarding water and power usage and encouraged community partnerships, pointing to Google's investment in the site of a retired coal plant in Jackson County, its use of existing power lines, and a fund to assist local families with energy bills. He also mentioned Meta's $70 million water and wastewater treatment system in Kuna, Idaho, built to benefit the entire community beyond the data center's needs.
Reed emphasized that data center construction strengthens Alabama's digital infrastructure, providing high-paying jobs and steady work for the construction industry, and attracting generational investment. He concluded that with responsible planning and community engagement, data centers can be a significant asset for Alabama, and the state cannot afford to miss this economic opportunity.