Utahns hope new National Security Agency data center brings construction jobs
Experts viewing reeling projections of Utah's construction economy have high comeback hopes, thanks to a proposed $1.9 billion National Security Agency data center at Camp Williams.
Officials have been tight-lipped about details of the projected million-square-foot data center, but construction experts point to previous projects as indicators that the NSA project could have untold benefits for Utah.
"Commercial construction is down. Residential construction is way down," said Alan Rindlisbacher, marketing director for Layton Construction and a former state economic development officer. "From my experience, every significant project like this serves as an economic stimulus. It could be that it'll enhance the economy with new residents buying new homes. Or existing residents having the income to buy a home or increase their standard of living."
Utah construction jobs, which experts projected would drop by 33,000 by 2012 before the data center project was announced, fell by 40 percent this year alone. James Wood, director of the University of Utah's Bureau of Economic and Business Development, said the project would likely bring in about 4,000 construction-related jobs.
"It won't wipe out a 33,000 decline in construction jobs expected over the next few years but … that's a lot of jobs," he said. "That's a lot of wages for Utah's economy."
Retail development and stimulus from previous projects indicate that nearby cities such as Draper, Sandy and Lehi could benefit from new jobs from the proposed center.
"It'll be an economic boom in the sense of construction jobs, and that's good for the state of Utah," said Sandy economic development director Randy Sant. "People are unemployed and construction offers good jobs that will keep people employed."
The Procter & Gamble manufacturing plant under construction in Box Elder County and other projects have promoted interest in Utah from out-of-state businesses, said Derek Miller, director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development.
"The success of bringing one company begets the success of bringing the next," Miller said.
When Micron Technologies and Intel joined to form IM Flash out of Lehi, Miller said it developed more than 1,500 jobs and at least 12 vendors for supplies and other resources — all the direct result of one business.
The NSA data center, which Rindlisbacher compares to the downtown City Creek project in size and economic benefit, would be more secure and private as a federal government operation.
The new data center would sit on 120 acres at Camp Williams provided by Utah's National Guard. Wood said the first $180 million in funds would be used up-front for planning and architecture, and then another two rounds of $800 million for construction.
Utah construction jobs
2008103,000
201067,000*
2012less than 50,000*
*projected
Source: University of Utah Bureau of Economic and Business Development
E-MAIL: lgroves@desnews.com
Recent comments
CAT, I think the second comment is right on. The construction workers...
JD | Oct. 6, 2009 at 11:31 a.m.
I wonder if the Obama Administration will have an E-Verify...
Stewart | July 10, 2009 at 3:33 p.m.
More government spending for Utah! LOL!!!
Anonymous | July 10, 2009 at 1:35 p.m.
- McCoy, Tebow on Heisman list 5:46 p.m.
- Messy Monday commute 5:41 p.m.
- Group sets donor sign-up record 5:40 p.m.
- 'Christmas Story' charming, fun 5:35 p.m.
- Options that offer gluten-free grains 5:33 p.m.
- Comparison of health care bills 5:29 p.m.
- Man holding wife mentally captive 5:28 p.m.
- Dems seek expansion of Medicare 5:28 p.m.
- Pet treats for the holidays 5:26 p.m.
- TCU versus BSU unpopular 5:24 p.m.
- Letters: Liberal because LDS
277 - Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
253 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
202 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
190 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
179 - Cougars going back to Vegas
140 - N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage
140 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
126 - Letters: Global warming a lie
120 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
119
Amazon.com, Target.com, Sears.com, Walmart.com, Kmart.com and...
That does it — I'm having an affair! Thanks to Tiger Woods, David...
Thanks everyone that thinks this whole bowl game mess stinks, We (Boise)...
What would a "lamanite" or "nephite" artifact look like? HOw do YOU know...
Another bowl cupcake for Utah | 10:12 p.m. Dec. 6, 2009 Utah gets a team...
"We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective...
Here's a name you BYU fans will know after the Oregon State game. Jacquizz...
Amen Jazz Fan ! I dont hate you either CJ. I just think you are an immature...
She's hot!!! Her or Hillary????
every but as much as any other undefeated team. Otherwise it still a mythical...
The BCS is a conspiracy anyway. I've seen the black helicopters and SUV's for...
and do not follow college football people on here say that Boise State should...


