Easterling Carpenter for Ward 1

As you know, I’m campaigning for Tallassee’s City Council. At first, I wondered why our town couldn’t attract a big data center, like Montgomery did with Meta. My last blog post, “I was wrong about Data centers, here is why,” shared a talk that really opened my eyes. But since then, I’ve looked deeper. I’ve corrected some early ideas and learned a lot more about data centers.

Honestly, my initial assessment was a bit limited. I had already made up my mind, based on just one conversation. Now, I see that data centers really vary in size, design, and how they affect local communities. So, let’s revisit the conversation with a more informed view. This time, I want to talk about both the challenges and the real benefits a data center could bring. And we’ll focus on responsible development for Tallassee.

Correcting the Record: Understanding Data Center Diversity and Consumption

One big lesson I’ve learned is that “data center” means many different things. My last post, based on one person’s experience with huge operations, painted all data centers with the same brush. That was a mistake.

The Spectrum of Data Centers:

• Hyperscale Data Centers: These are the giants, run by tech titans like Meta, Google, and Amazon. They are huge, built for global reach and massive data. Yes, they have those big resource demands I first talked about.
• Enterprise Data Centers: These are owned and run by a single company for its own IT needs.
• Colocation Data Centers: Here, many companies share physical space. A third party manages the building’s infrastructure.
• Edge Data Centers: These are smaller facilities. They sit closer to users to cut down on delays, often for things like IoT and 5G networks.

So, a data center’s impact changes a lot. It depends on its type and how big it is. For instance, Tallassee already hosts a smaller data center under Oak Cyber LLC. Because of its size and how it runs, this local facility doesn’t use those “exuberant amounts” of water and electricity. That’s a big difference from the giant ones I mentioned before. This is key. Not all data centers demand the same from our local infrastructure [1].

Revisiting Energy and Water Consumption:

In my previous post, I cited an annual electricity consumption figure for Las Vegas that was wildly inaccurate. I said “13 MWh per year.” But my own source (EnergySage) was actually talking about what one average home uses: around 14 MWh each year [2]. The entire city of Las Vegas, as a major metropolitan area, consumes terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually. Indeed, a big data center can use hundreds of GWh, or even over a TWh, annually [3]. This miscalculation significantly skewed my comparison.

Now, about water. My NPR source says an average data center needs about 300,000 gallons daily for cooling [4]. But my old idea that this water had to come from our city system? That was too simple. Many modern data centers are actively pursuing sustainable water management practices. These include:

• Advanced Cooling Technologies: They use air-cooling, more efficient evaporative cooling, or even direct liquid cooling. This helps minimize water usage [5].
• Recycled and Non-Potable Water Sources: They partner with local utilities. This lets them use recycled wastewater or greywater, cutting down on using our drinking water supplies [6].
• Water Positive Initiatives: Companies like Meta and Google are even investing in projects. They aim to put more water back into communities and ecosystems than their data centers use [7, 8].

High resource use is possible, yes. But it’s not always the case. Responsible development means planning ahead and investing in green solutions.

The True Economic Impact: Beyond Construction Jobs

My initial concern about limited long-term job creation from data centers also needs a closer look. Construction brings a big boom, temporary or not. Yet, a modern data center’s operations can offer valuable, high-paying careers for our neighbors.

High-Paying, Specialized Roles:

Consider the example of Meta’s data center in Montgomery, AL. Their careers site currently lists many open positions. These show a diverse range of operational roles [9]:

• Critical Operations Manager: They oversee the smooth, continuous running of vital equipment.
• Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Lead: This role ensures environmental rules are followed and workers stay safe.
• Mechanical Subject Matter Expert: These are specialists in the complex cooling and power systems.
• Lead Controls Subject Matter Expert: They manage the automation and control systems inside the facility.
• Network Engineer, Foundation and Support: This job involves keeping the intricate network infrastructure running.
• Lead Building Engineer: They oversee the physical building and its facilities.
• Manager, Site Operations Global Infrastructure Engineering: This is a senior leadership position.
• Project Controls Analyst: They manage project budgets and schedules.
• SiteOps Global Production Platform Engineering Manager: Another high-level engineering management role.

These positions are not minimum-wage jobs. In fact, Meta’s career site shows starting salaries of $110,000 or more. Some jobs even offer up to $253,000 per year [9]. These are exactly the high-skilled, high-wage jobs we want. They can boost our economy, bring in new talent, and offer great career paths for locals who train up. Sure, some jobs might go to relocated staff. But there’s a real chance for local hires, especially when companies invest in training programs right here.

Beyond direct jobs, data centers also create indirect jobs. Think security, cleaning, catering, and other local businesses that benefit from new spending by data center workers and contractors [10].

Impact on Local Disposable Income:

Let’s put the economic impact into perspective. Imagine just five individuals earning these high salaries in Tallassee. If five new people took roles averaging $150,000 a year, that’s an extra $750,000 in disposable income for Tallassee. Every year. This means more local spending at our businesses, restaurants, and services. Plus, it brings people who might invest locally in real estate, small businesses, or community projects. It has potential for a ripple effect of economic growth.

Success Stories: Data Centers as Community Catalysts

Many U.S. communities have welcomed data centers. They’ve turned what some saw as burdens into real economic boosts and strong partnerships. These stories often show a shared commitment. Both the data center company and local government worked together and invested in the community.

Aiken, South Carolina and Meta:

Take Aiken County, South Carolina, for example. It’s now home to Meta’s first data center there, an $800 million investment [11]. This facility should be running by spring 2027. It will bring about 100 operational jobs and over 1,000 skilled construction jobs at its busiest times [12]. Beyond job creation, Meta’s commitment in Aiken includes:

• Working to not strain local power: The data center will match its electricity use with renewable energy. Meta is even working with local partners to add new green power to the grid [11].
• Water Positive Goals: They aim to put more water back than they use by 2030. They’re doing this with advanced cooling and plants that don’t need much water [12].
• Local Sourcing and Community Grants: Meta also plans to use local labor and materials. They’ll support schools and non-profits through their grants program and help with STEAM education [12].

This shows that big data centers can be good neighbors. They invest in resource-conserving practices and directly help local infrastructure and education.

Google’s Community Transformation:

Google’s approach to data center development provides further evidence of positive community impact. Their data centers have supported schools, small businesses, and entrepreneurs through funding and training programs [7]. In Lenoir, North Carolina, for instance, Google’s $1.2 billion investment changed an old furniture town. It became an innovation hub, creating over a thousand jobs [7]. Google also puts money into local infrastructure. They upgrade power grids and water facilities, helping everyone in the community [7].

Workforce Development and Collaboration:

A key factor in successful integration is workforce development. Programs like the Data Center Operations (DCO) at Northern Virginia Community College are a great example. Supported by companies like STACK Infrastructure, they’ve helped hundreds of students get jobs in the industry [8]. This really shows how important partnerships are. Schools, local government, and data centers can work together to build a skilled local workforce.

Addressing Concerns: Internet Infrastructure

Some folks have also asked about Tallassee’s internet. Can our current setup handle a data center? It’s a fair question. Data centers need super-fast, super-reliable internet. Think massive fiber optic connections, not your home Wi-Fi.

But here’s the good news: this isn’t usually a deal-breaker. Big data center companies often bring their own infrastructure. They’re used to building extensive fiber networks to connect their facilities to the internet’s main highways [14]. In fact, their arrival can be a huge win for our whole community. The demand from a data center often pushes telecom companies to invest in new fiber and upgrades in the surrounding area. This means better internet for local businesses and even our homes, too! For example, Meta’s data center in Huntsville helped expand broadband for rural residents there [8].

So, while we might not have all the high-speed fiber in place today, a data center project typically comes with the commitment to build it. This turns a potential challenge into a real opportunity for Tallassee. We could gain top-notch internet infrastructure that benefits everyone, getting us ready for the digital future.

Addressing Concerns: Transparency and Responsible Development

My previous blog post also touched upon issues of corporate behavior, citing the example of xAI in Memphis. It’s true, the data center industry, like any fast-growing field, faces scrutiny. People worry about its environmental impact and how companies act. Worries about energy, water, and even cases like xAI in Memphis using unpermitted gas turbines are valid. We need transparency and oversight for these things [13].

However, these challenges are not impossible to deal with. The key lies in:

• Early and Transparent Engagement: Data center developers should talk with local folks early on. They should openly share their plans for resources, sustainability, and community benefits [8].
• Negotiating Community Benefit Agreements: Communities can also make deals. These agreements can secure long-term investments, local hiring, and infrastructure upgrades that go beyond just the data center’s needs.
• Innovation in Sustainability: The industry is quickly finding new ways to be greener. They’re using more renewable energy, better cooling, and recycling water [5, 6].

The Path Forward for Tallassee

So, where does this leave Tallassee? My journey from doubt to understanding has taught me this: dismissing data centers completely would be a missed chance. Instead, the conversation should shift from “if” to “how.”

Tallassee has plenty of open land. Our river offers water, but we need careful planning. We must ensure any big development doesn’t strain our city systems or harm our natural resources. These might be some important areas to consider:

1. Committed to Protecting Local Resources: Prioritizing companies that prioritize us. We should consider companies that look to not put undue strain on local infrastructure.
2. Dedicated to Local Workforce Development: We should look for partners who will invest in training. It would be great if they could hire locally but, attracting high-income individuals to re-invest in the town doesn’t sound bad either.
3. Engaged Community Partners: We want companies willing to join our community. Grant-giving and local education and training initiatives could give Tallassee residents a boost into new or higher job roles.

It’s not about accepting any data center, but about strategically attracting the right data centers. I believe we can find the right data center. One that fits Tallassee’s values, truly helps our economy, and acts as a responsible neighbor. My earlier worries came from not knowing enough. But now, with more understanding, I see a chance for a truly positive partnership. The rise of data center-powered AI models presents both challenges and unparalleled opportunities for communities like ours. With resources like the Tallapoosa River, Tallassee is uniquely positioned. The question for us now is: how can we harness our strengths to power this next generation of industry, responsibly and for our collective benefit?

Please note that AI was used to help outline, gather sources, and proofread this blog post. Sources were reviewed before being posted. Criticism welcomed.

Sources:

[1] Splunk. (2025, June 13). Data Centers Explained: Types, Features, and Choosing the Right Model. Retrieved from https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/learn/data-centers.html

[2] EnergySage. (n.d.). Electricity Cost in Las Vegas, NV. Retrieved from https://www.energysage.com/local-data/electricity-cost/nv/clark-county/las-vegas/#:~:text=That’s%2018%25%20lower%20than%20the,the%20course%20of%20the%20year

[3] Wikipedia. (n.d.). Data center – Energy use. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_center#Energy_use

[4] NPR. (2022, August 30). Data centers, backbone of the digital economy, face water scarcity and climate risks. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2022/08/30/1119938708/data-centers-backbone-of-the-digital-economy-face-water-scarcity-and-climate-ris

[5] IT Pro. (2024, August 30). Data center water consumption is spiraling out of control. Retrieved from https://www.itpro.com/infrastructure/data-centres/data-center-water-consumption-is-spiraling-out-of-control

[6] The Register. (2025, January 4). How datacenters use water – and why kicking the habit is nearly impossible. Retrieved from https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/04/how_datacenters_use_water/

[7] Google Blog. (2025, June 11). 4 ways Google data centers transform communities for the better. Retrieved from https://blog.google/inside-google/infrastructure/google-data-centers-grow-advance-communities/

[8] Gresham Smith. (2025, May 20). Data Centers & the Art of Being a Good Neighbor: Ten Steps for Better Community Engagement. Retrieved from https://www.greshamsmith.com/news-and-insights/data-centers-the-art-of-being-a-good-neighbor-ten-steps-for-better-community-engagement/

[9] Meta Careers. (n.d.). Montgomery, AL Data Center Open Positions. Retrieved from https://www.metacareers.com/locations/montgomery-dc?p[offices][0]=Montgomery%2C%20AL&offices[0]=Montgomery%2C%20AL

[10] City of Phoenix. (2025, June 2). Economic, Environmental, and Social Impacts of Data Centers in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/pddsite/documents/staffreports/z-ta-2-25-data-centers-combine-correspondence.pdf

[11] Governor Henry McMaster. (2024, August 29). Meta selects Aiken County for first South Carolina data center. Retrieved from https://governor.sc.gov/news/2024-08/meta-selects-aiken-county-first-south-carolina-data-center

[12] Data Center Map. (n.d.). Meta Aiken Data Center | Sage Mill Pkwy. Retrieved from https://www.datacentermap.com/usa/south-carolina/aiken/meta-aiken/

[13] TechPolicy.Press. (2025, July 7). Learnings from Five Cases of Data Center Development and Defiance. Retrieved from https://www.techpolicy.press/learnings-from-five-cases-of-data-center-development-and-defiance/

[14] RCR Wireless News. (2025, June 25). Emerging data center hubs fuel massive fiber demand, says Zayo. Retrieved from https://www.rcrwireless.com/20250625/connectivity/data-center-riber-zayo