Copyright Augusta Free Press
You know how those of us who aren’t politicians are wondering why we’re putting so much effort into giving people who want to build more data centers everything they want and more? For you, I have the announcement from the office of lame-duck MAGA Gov. Glenn Youngkin this week touting how it helped a company with a $2 billion project to build yet another data center campus in Northern Virginia that will create all of 50 jobs. “Thanks to companies like Vantage, Virginia is leading the world into a future powered by the limitless possibilities of artificial intelligence,” said Youngkin, sounding like a hedge-fund guy with a net worth of $500 million, and thus, not a care in the world about having to endure higher electricity bills. “With this $2 billion in investment, Vantage is paving the way for a stronger Stafford County and a stronger Virginia. This project reflects our commitment to innovation, job creation, and economic growth – and it’s another example of how Virginia is winning for families and businesses alike,” Youngkin said. Fifty jobs, my man – fifty. The VA4 project being led by Vantage Data Centers will employ fewer people than your average local grocery store, while eating up nearly a million square feet of space on an 82-acre parcel in Stafford County. “Fredericksburg offered a significant opportunity for Vantage to serve our customers seeking capacity and access to the resources of Data Center Alley,” Vantage Data Centers North America President Dana Adams said. “The region’s proximity to major metros, access to robust infrastructure, and growing technology ecosystem make it an ideal location to meet skyrocketing demand. Virginia has been a cornerstone of Vantage’s North American growth since we first entered the market in 2017, and we’re pleased to expand our presence to Fredericksburg, helping establish it as a meaningful digital hub while contributing to the region’s economic growth and technological advancements.” Fifty jobs.
