Newport News Prepares to Roll Out Data Center Plans Amid Deliberate Strategy
As Newport News gears up to unveil its blueprint for data center development, city officials are meticulously crafting their approach to gain community and business support. This move is part of a broader initiative to transform the city into a regional tech hub.
For months, the city has been quietly evaluating potential sites for data centers, acquiring properties to lay the groundwork for this technological advancement. Virginia, particularly Northern Virginia, has already established itself as a central hub for data centers, facilitating over two-thirds of global internet traffic. John Martin, President of the Southeastern Institute of Research, emphasized the opportunity to extend this infrastructure along Interstate 95 to Hampton Roads, potentially positioning Virginia as a pivotal internet crossroads.
“Fiber infrastructure, digital infrastructure is only going to be more valuable for a company to have as those systems become more widespread,” said Martin during the Economic Development Authority meeting. “Investments in digital infrastructure are a true differentiation, differentiating economic development strategy.”
Martin highlighted the importance of strategic communication to mitigate potential opposition, referencing previous environmental concerns in Chesapeake. He advised that Newport News should spotlight the economic benefits and improved internet connectivity that data centers could bring. Citing Mesa, Arizona, as a successful model, Martin noted that strategic digital investments there attracted major companies like Meta.
“You can’t just be reactive. You have to have your eye on the future, anything for what is better position and greater good of interest,” Martin stated. “That’s where the city can make informed digital infrastructure investment decisions that benefit not just businesses, but everyone.”
With substantial research already conducted, Martin proposed a timeline for presenting plans to city leaders in January and engaging the community by February. However, he acknowledged that subsequent steps would depend on public feedback.
Despite the enthusiasm, some board members expressed reservations. One member preferred focusing on the shipbuilding industry, while another questioned the tangible benefits of previous digital infrastructure investments.
EDA Chair Cathy Williams expressed optimism about the potential for attracting businesses and enhancing internet services, though she noted the city’s limited capacity for large-scale data centers. “Hearing about being able to scale the size of data centers and the idea of being able to look at other aspects of the infrastructure, I think is really critical,” Williams said. “We don’t have what Mesa, Arizona, has. We don’t have a lot of land where we can go ahead and build this huge data center out there where no one’s really going to see it anyway.”
City Manager Alan Archer aimed to address concerns by clarifying that any development would be part of a broader digital infrastructure strategy. “It’s easy to get caught up in the pushback around energy consumption and other concerns that the average citizen has about a data center,” Archer said. “So, you’ve got to work through that in order to really understand what’s happening that’s revolutionary in the digital world. And if you’re not careful, we’ll be left behind.”
Read More Here
