Modesto considers proposed data center development
An opinion piece discusses a proposed data center development in Modesto, California. The author advocates for the city to negotiate a long-term agreement with the developer to ensure they cover costs for local resources like electricity and water, create permanent jobs, and invest in community infrastructure.
The Modesto Bee published an opinion piece regarding a proposed data center development in Modesto, California. The author argues that the city should not simply approve or deny the project but instead engage in negotiations with the unnamed data center developer. The opinion piece emphasizes the need for the developer to cover the costs associated with its use of Modesto's land, electricity, water, and infrastructure, ensuring that local utility bills do not increase to subsidize the private corporation.
Beyond just temporary construction jobs, the author advocates for the creation of permanent, well-paying local jobs, suggesting partnerships with Modesto Junior College and local trade programs for workforce training. Crucially, the author calls for a long-term legacy agreement with the developer. This agreement should mandate investments in critical areas such as water recycling, electrical reliability, education, workforce development, and emergency services, aiming to generate lasting economic value for the community.