'At what cost and at what benefit?': De Soto residents, officials weigh data center job promises
De Soto, Kansas residents and city officials are evaluating the promises and potential costs of two major data center projects proposed for the area. Beale Infrastructure and Digital Realty are planning data center campuses, which are projected to bring hundreds of construction and full-time jobs, but residents question the long-term job creation and overall community benefit.
De Soto, Kansas, residents and city officials are carefully examining the true impact of potential data center developments on local jobs and the broader community. Up to two major projects are under consideration in the area, sparking community discussions on their costs and benefits.
Beale Infrastructure has proposed a $3 billion data center campus in De Soto, anticipating the creation of over 800 construction jobs and at least 50 full-time positions, with further expansion expected. Separately, Digital Realty submitted a site plan application for its own data center campus, projecting over 2,500 construction jobs and approximately 250 full-time roles. These figures contrast with average data center job numbers, which AP News reported are typically 100 or fewer.
Resident Sara VanDeCreek expressed skepticism, noting that while data centers generate many jobs during the construction phase, fewer positions are available for the operational phase. Michelle Kauk, Director of Public Policy and Communications for Beale Infrastructure, stated that the company aims to develop local skills and training opportunities to attract a relevant workforce, particularly focusing on trades and skilled labor during the construction period. De Soto City Administrator Mike Brungardt supports the projects, aligning them with the city's vision for workforce development and drawing parallels to the area's economic history with the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant. VanDeCreek, however, continues to weigh the economic promises against potential community costs.