Editor’s Note: As conversations continue about possible development near Empire, we felt it would be helpful to include a straightforward explanation of what a data center is. Informed communities have stronger conversations, and The Ledger is committed to sharing clear and reliable information as it becomes available. The above picture is published to show the history of the community that is being discussed.
By The Ledger Staff
EMPIRE – A data center is a large facility that houses computer servers and related equipment used to store, process, and manage digital information.
Every time someone sends an email, streams a movie, uses social media, shops online, or stores photos in the cloud, that data is handled through servers located in data centers. These facilities support businesses, hospitals, schools, government agencies, and everyday internet users.
Data centers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because of this, they require:
- Significant electricity to power thousands of servers
- Cooling systems to prevent equipment from overheating
- Backup generators to ensure continuous operation
- Security systems to protect digital and physical infrastructure
Modern data centers vary in size. Some are relatively small buildings, while others can cover hundreds of thousands of square feet.
Why Are They Built?
Communities are often considered for data centers because of available land, access to power infrastructure, proximity to fiber optic networks, and local or state economic incentives.
Commonly Discussed Benefits
- Expansion of the local tax base
- Construction-related jobs during the building phase
- Potential long-term technical or maintenance positions
- Investment in infrastructure improvements
Commonly Discussed Concerns
- High electricity demand
- Water usage for cooling systems
- Noise from backup generators and cooling equipment
- Visual impact on rural landscapes
- Limited permanent job creation compared to the facility’s size
As with any major development, the impact of a data center can vary depending on the size of the project, its location, and agreements made with local governments.
Information compiled from publicly available industry sources and general research.
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