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.

Click here to read the full column.

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.

Click Here to read the complete column

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. 

Click Here to read the complete column

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.

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.

  
  

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:

Here's what some of YOU are saying...

Petition by iPetitions

This is just a sample of the kinds of comments people are posting when they sign the petition to support bringing jobs and opportunities to the Newark area:

Jobs is the number one issue that constituents say we need to work on in every single survey we do. Let's get this done!

With currently developed technology employed in the construction and operation of the new data center, Delaware could enjoy the employment and technological expertise that would come with this firm. The University of Delaware would benefit from the partnership with a firm in one of the premier technology sectors where economic growth is now occurring. The State Department of Environmental Control has the capability to understand and monitor the environmental design and operation of this facility. It would be hard to find a better technology of this size and scope to bring to Delaware.

this is a great project! it will create jobs, help the environment, and is a win/win.

We need to create more jobs in our state. We need to create a more business friendly environment to attract business to this area.

This project will create jobs and the infrastructure necessary for future high-tech growth in Newark!

I support the job creation and on site clean energy production. The Chrysler plant made much more noise than the data center could ever make. We need good jobs in Delaware so people can earn a living.

Recycling brownfields is critically important for our collective future.

This is Delaware's chance to make its mark. Technology is the way way of the future. Delaware needs to be a technology leader for the future.

If you want economic development you need to do redevelop sites like these.

This is a "no brainer" for me. YES 

Considering what was on that site for 50+ years, and the environmental incidents they caused, this is a 1000% inprovement, and will not only benefit the town of Newark, but the State of Delaware as a whole

This carefully design project will not only create jobs now but in the future. It is a responsible venture that is essential to economic recovery.

Best technology available w redundant systems. Awesome!

This is MUCH needed for Delaware to continue being recognized as a great place for business. Keeping ahead with new technology for our up and coming youthful workforce! Provide Opportunities here in Delaware for them!

I support this project. High paying clean jobs. THis is a win win for the state of Delaware

Glad to see someone is working on getting more jobs in the area!

Creating new jobs is a critical issue. This data center needs to be built.

Create jobs, infuse the school district with their tax revenue, strengthen the grid, and do so on Brownfield land? No Brainer!!

We need jobs.

Anyone who wants the city of Newark to grow and succeed in the future must support this project for the new residents it will bring and the opportunities it will create.

If we can't do this one what will we be able to do?

Delaware Needs This Project!

Turn the rubble left from the CHRYSLER plant into a high technology datacenter? Newark, DE, midway between Washington, DC and New York, becomes ground central for state-of-the-art Platinum LEED commercial facility? 600 high-end technical positions with directly associated annual payroll of $40M? Right next to the UNIVERSITY? Access to SEPTA & MARC? Who would fight this? It doesn't get any better.

I've lived in Newark for most of my life & welcome the development happening around the city and town. This sounds like a good move on the part of UD, DE and Newark.

I favor job creation which is a great need, and particularly higher paying positions. I am cognizant of the value of the construction jobs that will be created as well when this new industry is created. The additional value from the increased natural gas and fiber optic cabling to the Newark area has additional new job creation potential as well. So, what's there to disagree about? This looks like a real winner to me!

This is such a win-win project.

An Environmental Expert's view...

I had a chance to speak with Jim Black, founder of the Partnership for Sustainabilty in Delaware. Jim has also served as Chair of the Executive Committee for the Delaware Chapter of the Sierra Club and was a lobbyist for the Clean Air Council.

Jim outlined how - from an environmental standpoint - building a data center at the former Chrysler site in Newark makes a lot of sense.


Here's some of the highlights:

using a brownfiled instead of a greenfield
located close to public transportation - no need for sprawl
energy generated on site would be cleaner than energy generated by the grid

There's a lot more - take a look at the video - and if you haven't done so already, sign the petition!

Petition by iPetitions

Let's talk about job creation in Newark

Traffic was backed up through Newark as I was trying to make my way to the George Wilson Community Center to learn about this proposed Data Center. I soon discovered that the reason for the traffic was the public hearing for the Data Center.

More than 300 people packed into the room to listen, ask, and discuss this proposed new venture.

I learned several things that evening, including:

• The Data Center, LLC wants to build a state-of-the-art facility to provide customers with consistent, reliable service
• The facility would be built on 43 acres of land that was previously part of the Chrysler Plant
• Building the facility would create approximately 5,000 trade jobs
• Maintaining the business would create an additional 290 jobs
• The average salary for these jobs is $63,000
• Another 300 jobs from facility vendors and on site consultants and personnel will be created
• The Data Center, LLC is a veteran-owned business committed to hiring men and women who have served our country

Of course, there were more than a few questions that evening - you can click here to access a complete list of the questions and answers from that meeting.

Standing Room Only at the George Wilson Center on September 3

Since that meeting, though, I've heard rumors, speculations, and rather interesting accusations thrown around. 

It is my hope that this site will provide a place for reasonable dialog on this proposal.

You see, there's an awful lot at stake here - more than the jobs and turning a brownfield into a productive center - if this project is sidelined, we could lose out on many, many opportunities in the future.

In the coming weeks, I plan to speak with local residents, environmentalists, union leaders, and others about this proposed project and post their views and insights here.

In the meantime, if you want to express your support for this project, please click here and sign the petition supporting the creation of hundreds of jobs in Newark.