Tuesday, November 5, 2013

19 members of the Delaware General Assembly extend support for data center complex

Published in the News Journal Nov. 5, 2013

Excerpts:

The co-generation plant will produce electricity while recycling thermal energy from the combustion process to create more power and run the data center’s cooling systems. Using high-efficiency gas turbines, systems of this type regularly achieve fuel-to-energy conversion rates of about 80 percent, making this proposed power plant environmentally friendly and economical.
In fact, with the planned inclusion of advanced emissions control technology, TDC officials believe it will be one of the cleanest facilities of its kind in the U.S.
...
The TDC project will also produce something even more valuable than reliable, low-cost power: It will create high-quality jobs.
Construction of the complex might employ as many as 5,000 workers during the three-year project.
Once finished, TDC estimates the complex will need 290 full-time employees. Average annual salaries would exceed $46,500 and include medical and retirement benefits. Another 50 part-time positions will also be created, for a total staff compliment of 340 employees – almost the same number of workers that will be left jobless by the impending closing of the nearly century-old Evraz Steel Mill in Claymont.
The complex will also produce millions of dollars in annual tax revenue, supporting local schools and city services, easing the burden on residents.
...
We need to embrace this project, not only for the benefits it will produce for the Newark area, but the promise it offers for a better tomorrow for all Delawareans.




Sunday, November 3, 2013

Governor Markell: Let's create jobs in Delaware, not send them away

Published in the News Journal - Sunday, Nov.3, 2013:

Excerpts:

As governor, I spend significant time talking to employers about investing in Delaware because jobs continue to be my top priority. Without private investment and job creation, other things we care about – improving education, protecting our environment, enhancing public safety and delivering quality health care – are not possible.
Businesses have many choices as to where they create jobs and economic opportunity. A welcoming attitude from state and local officials matters, and businesses value a strong workforce, quality schools and a good quality of life – all of which Delaware has and is improving on. And businesses want to know that if they play by the rules, they will have a chance to grow. That is where some conversations around the state right now risk costing us jobs.
...
It is not enough for us to wring our hands about the economy and talk about wanting to create jobs; we need to send the message consistently that Delaware is the right place to build and grow a business. Because if “somewhere else” is where we want to create jobs, that “somewhere else” just might be Maryland or Mexico.
...
we need to continue to focus on job growth. That includes supporting small business and entrepreneurship, promoting blue-collar manufacturing jobs, helping employers be globally competitive, building on the strengths of our core industries, and creating an environment where businesses want to grow. But one thing I know for sure is that we will not be successful as a state if we cannot come together and say “yes” when good opportunities arise.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Delaware Voice column in the News Journal

We all know the numbers: A $1.1 billion project that will create more than 5,000 jobs for local union tradesmen and tradeswomen along with 640 permanent jobs on-site with an average salary of $63,000 per year.
We know this project will lead to nearly $5 million going to the city of Newark in taxes and fees in the near future with additional annual income to the city of Newark to the tune of $1.75 million. Add to that $600,000 a year to New Castle County, more than $5 million to the Christina School District, and more than $3 million to the state of Delaware, and we’ve got a job-generating, public-enhancing, environmentally sound project that makes sense for our community.
But, it’s not just those numbers that lead me to support bringing the data center to Newark. 

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Great analysis on WHYY's Newsworks by Doug Rainey

Excerpt from the analysis:

The vast buffet table of arguments against the project may also be an act of desperation. It
is not at all clear that residents have any hope of halting the project should investors and the University of Delaware decide it should go forward. After all, the site once housed an auto plant.
Their one shred of hope is that developers simply grow tired and simply take the development elsewhere. Contrary to the views of some speakers, anotherDelaware site is not in the cards.
The STAR campus has the infrastructure and location needed for this ground-breaking project. No other site measures up.
Worse yet, letting this project slip away could doom prospects for blue collar jobs in northern Delaware for decades to come. Economic development officials from around the region would pin that obituary to their bulletin boards for further inspiration.

Click Here to read the full column.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Some thoughts on the Oct. 28 Newark City Council meeting

Several people came out to the Newark City Council meeting Monday night - and while there were nine items on the agenda, it was clear that most were there to discuss the proposed Data Center on the University of Delaware STAR Campus.

It would appear that many who are opposed to this job-creating, community-enhancing, environmentally sound plan are either making assumptions based on out-dated notions or are intentiionally trying to mislead their neighbors.

Fortunately, I found out about a new web site that is packed with accurate information about this project - I spent hours going over the material there and I highly recommend this as an excellent resource - click here to see Delaware Jobs Now

Here's just a sample from the site:

Just the Facts

  • This state-of-the-art data center design will be used as a model facility for many others going forward.

  • Over 5,000 local union-construction jobs will be generated to construct the facilities.

  • Approximately 640 permanent jobs will be brought Newark.

  • The average position would earn $63,000/year with benefits.

  • The site is currently a brownfield, and will be cleaned and redeveloped.

  • Pollution controls, noise dampeners, energy certifications, and building codes will exceed all federal, state, and local standards.

  • The initial permit taxes and fees would off-set much of the projected tax hikes in Newark.

  • The projected yearly property tax for the Christina School District would be equivalent to a referendum of more than an additional 9 cents per $100 of assessed property value.

  • The projected yearly property tax for the City of Newark would completely offset the cost of the City’s proposed water rate hike, storm-sewer fee, AND court security fee.


Friday, October 11, 2013

Hearing from the people...

There's a lot of talk about what bringing a Data Center to Newark would mean to the region, here's just a sample: