Deseret News | Reader comments: Utahns hope new National Security Agency data center brings construction jobs

Reader comments
Utahns hope NSA brings jobs

swiftouch | 4:34 a.m. July 10, 2009

it's just like big government in a down economy trillions upon trillions of dollars in debt....to build a couple billion dollar building.

I seriously think the people in washington are !@#$ing insane.

Jobs for americans? | 6:46 a.m. July 10, 2009

With Utah so willfully violating federal laws on employing illegal aliens in construction I think the feds will bypass local companies for security reasons. They don't want any language barriers or security breeches that come with employing illegal aliens. Illegals leaves a lot of doubt in quality control and the workmanship of construction. This has been very apparent in other Utah construction projects from homes to business and government.

Anonymous | 6:56 a.m. July 10, 2009

REF: swifttouch

Yes Cheney and Bush who's administration came up with all of these superspy and GI Joe Toys were and still are insane

Comments continue below

Cats | 7:36 a.m. July 10, 2009

To the first three bloggers: I have a really important questions for all y'all......HUH?

Honestly, sometimes it scares me that some people are allowed to have a computer.

Time frame | 8:05 a.m. July 10, 2009

Construction is years away:

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.

Most architecture and planning won't be done by Utah companies anyway. After planning, architecture, infrastructure is all done then they'll put out the project to bid. Add several years of construction and the place won't even be open until at least 2015, at least. And that's IF funding is secured.

govt. jobs | 8:39 a.m. July 10, 2009

Government jobs are on the increase while the private sector is diminishing. Who is behind all this growning of the public sector and killing the private sector?

Economy | 8:40 a.m. July 10, 2009

"Time frame," unclassified NSA documents show that the contract will be awarded in May 2010, construction to start June 2010, and phase one construction to be completed March 2013. Utahn's should be happy with these construction jobs and boost to the economy.

Move Government | 8:59 a.m. July 10, 2009

This is a very expensive "make jobs" project.
Do the US really need another facility like this?

NSA | 10:02 a.m. July 10, 2009

None of you even have a clue of what the NSA does do you? Are we really arguing about the number of jobs and whether this is a good idea? It is going to happen, the fact that the NSA selected Utah is a good thing so take advantage of the influx of money. Of course it will increase jobs, where do you think these people will come from? Mars?

The NSA and data center comments together should really raise eyebrows though. Isn't the NSA responsible for spying on other countries? Needing a data center in the middle of Utah? Okay, but that is my real suspicion. Not the jobs, or the money, or anything of the sort.

tyanweiting | 10:34 a.m. July 10, 2009

NSA: they probably chose Utah (especially between SL and Utah counties) due to the high concentration of residents that are fluent in foreign languages. Perhaps they will be looking to recruit RMs? Perfect scenario: fluent in language, no troubles passing rigorous govt backgound checks, generally quite patriotic..

Mike | 11:17 a.m. July 10, 2009

The reason they are moving this facility from Fort Meade by DC is because the facility is outdated, can't be expanded, and we have many that speak other languages. Good deal for all.

Chas | 11:37 a.m. July 10, 2009

Billions of dollars so they can spy on american citizens. Nobody here cares about that, but bail out the economy and everbody is worried about losing their "Freedom".

Anonymous | 1:35 p.m. July 10, 2009

More government spending for Utah! LOL!!!

Stewart | 3:33 p.m. July 10, 2009

I wonder if the Obama Administration will have an E-Verify requirement by the time construction is started. In Utah there is a huge number of contractors that use illegal aliens here, and due to the decline in construction there are thousands of illegal aliens out of work. Of course there are thousands of Utah citizens out of work as well, but they may not want to work for the cheap labor employers.

Yes, I just forgot the Davis-Bacon Act applies here which requires employers to pay, "under the contract no less than the locally prevailing wages and fringe benefits for corresponding work on similar projects in the area." Since Utah employers are in the habit of hiring illegals the "prevailing" wage could be very low.

JD | 11:31 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009

CAT, I think the second comment is right on. The construction workers here in Utah aren't just loosing their jobs but also a living wage thanks to the contractors who illegally employ foreign nationals from mainly Mexico.

The E-Verify thing passed recently as to force any company working on federal projects to have their employees E-verified. Although I'd have to question the enforcement of this since I can clearly see an overwhelming number of possible illegal workers still working on the I-15 project near Sandy. Although I shouldn't suppose they are illegals.

That is one of the sad things for all the legal citizens here that are from a hispanic background. They can easily be assumed to be illegal. I think if I went through the process of becoming legal I'd view others who are illegal as a detriment to both wage and job opportunity.

Love everyone. But we need to figure out this situation with Utah construction workers unable to compete with non-tax paying workers.

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