By Gregory M. Thayer, MBA
Vermont needs good-paying jobs.
We need a stronger tax base. We need younger working families. We need private investment, new housing, vibrant communities and an economy that gives our children a reason to stay.
So why would Vermont close the door on an emerging industry that could bring private investment, construction jobs, technology jobs and additional tax revenue to our communities?
Data Centers should not automatically be treated as the enemy.
Artificial intelligence and Data Centers are part of the next industrial revolution. The digital economy is changing how Americans work, communicate, manufacture and conduct business. This transformation is happening whether Vermont participates or not.
The question is not whether Vermont should blindly accept every proposal.
The question is whether Vermont should get the facts, establish reasonable safeguards and allow Vermonters to decide. Local people in control.
Make Developers Pay Their way.
If a Data-Center developer wants to build in Vermont, the developer should prove it can pay for the infrastructure its project requires.
Electricity. Power infrastructure. Water systems. Wastewater. Roads. Site improvements. Grid upgrades.
If a project requires substantial electrical-grid improvements, developers should pay their fair share rather than shifting those costs onto Vermont homeowners, businesses and taxpayers.
If a facility requires significant water resources, developers should demonstrate where that water will come from and how it will be responsibly managed.
Water reuse and recirculation should be required wherever technically and environmentally appropriate.
This is not anti-business. This is responsible economic development..
“We The People” must be heard.
Government leaders need to listen to We The People.
Local families should come first.
People who live in communities where development is proposed deserve the facts. Working Vermont families deserve to be part of the debate.
* How much electricity will the facility require?
* What upgrades will the electrical grid need?
* Who will pay for those upgrades?
* How much water will be used?
* How much can be reused or recirculated?
* What will happen to wastewater?
* How many construction jobs will be created?
* How many permanent jobs will remain?
* What will the project contribute to the local tax base?
These are legitimate questions. Let’s answer them with facts—not misinformation, disinformation, fear or political rhetoric.
Then let local residents have their say.
Jobs Matter:
Data-center development can create substantial construction activity.
Before a facility becomes operational, workers must design, engineer and build it. That can mean work for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, concrete workers, equipment operators, truck drivers, engineers, construction managers and other skilled trades.
Those are real jobs:
Once operational, data centers require skilled employees to maintain technology, electrical systems, cooling systems, security and other critical infrastructure.
Many skilled technology and data-center positions can provide salaries approaching or exceeding $100,000. annual salary depending on the position, experience and qualifications.
Vermont should want more opportunities like that.
A good-paying job can help a Vermonter buy a home, raise a family, support local businesses and contribute to the community.
Grow the Tax Base:
Vermont also needs to think seriously about its tax base.
Too often, government looks toward existing homeowners, workers and small businesses when it needs additional revenue.
There is another option:
Grow the local economy:
Major private investment can increase property values and potentially generate additional local tax revenue. Construction brings spending into communities. Workers purchase goods and services. Businesses provide materials, transportation, engineering, maintenance and professional services.
A successful project can create a ripple effect throughout the local economy.
That could mean significant economic development and, depending on the project and tax structure, a substantial new source of local revenue.
Instead of continually asking existing taxpayers to pay more, why not expand the economic base?
Other States are competing. Other States understand the opportunity.
States such as Indiana are competing for advanced technology and industrial investment while putting safeguards in place. They recognize that private investment creates jobs, expands the tax base and strengthens communities.
* Businesses invest.
* Businesses hire.
* Businesses purchase goods and services.
* Businesses pay taxes.
* Workers earn money and spend it locally.
That is the private economy working. Vermont should not deliberately make itself uncompetitive.
We already face workforce shortages, high costs and an aging population. If Vermont becomes known as a place where major investment is automatically rejected, companies will simply take their investments elsewhere.
The jobs will go somewhere. The question is whether Vermont wants some of them.
Don’t just say no!
Nobody is asking Vermont to abandon environmental protections or give developers a blank check.
Establish clear rules.
Require developers to pay for necessary infrastructure and electrical-grid upgrades. Require responsible water management and reuse. Protect neighboring property owners and the environment. Require financial accountability and transparency.
Then evaluate every proposal on its merits.
Get the facts. Set reasonable restrictions. Protect Vermont, and let the people decide.
Vermont cannot afford economic isolation.
We need investment. We need jobs. We need younger families. We need housing. We need businesses. We need a growing tax base.
Artificial intelligence and data centers are part of the future.
Vermont can participate responsibly or watch other states capture the investment, jobs and tax revenue.
We The People deserve the facts. We deserve transparency. We deserve local control.
Government leaders need to listen to the people who live and work in these communities.
Let’s ask the hard questions. Let’s protect taxpayers. Let’s make developers prove they can pay their way.
And if a project meets Vermont’s standards and benefits the community, let’s not automatically slam the door.
We cannot tax, regulate and legislate prosperity into existence.
Let Vermont compete.Let Vermont build. Let Vermont invest. Let Vermont work.
Lastly, governmental leaders must listen to “We The People.”