Opponents of STAMP data center project hold rally

A dispute continues in Genesee County, New York, regarding plans to construct one of the nation's largest data centers at the Science, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP). Opponents of the proposed $20 billion project, led by Stream USA, held a rally and released a study today challenging the economic benefits advertised by Genesee County Economic Development officials. The study, commissioned by the Applied Economics Center, alleges that Stream USA failed to provide supporting materials for its cost-benefit analysis. However, Genesee County development officials have already dismissed the study as flawed and intentionally skewed. The STAMP industrial park, covering 1200 acres of farmland, has experienced slow progress, with previous tenants like Plug Power and Edwards Vacuum facing delays or failures. Stream USA's proposed data center complex, envisioned to be the size of 40 football fields, is projected to receive $1.5 billion in taxpayer subsidies and create 1200 construction jobs but only 125 permanent positions. Local residents and activists voiced concerns that STAMP is an inappropriate location for such a mega-industrial site. Some suggest that existing brownfields in Western New York, like former steel mill sites, would be better suited for development. Additionally, opponents worry about potential noise, light pollution, and the impact on animals residing in two nearby wildlife refuges. The next stage of this contentious project will be a public hearing scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Alabama Fire Hall.