President Donald Trump has been very vocal in his support of artificial intelligence advancements being built here in America.
This week, new plans were announced for York County to help make that a reality.
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The investment is $5 billion, out of the $90 billion total coming to the commonwealth.
It’s expected at the site of the York 2 Energy Center.
The project is still early on the planning phase, but it is expected to create 2,500 construction jobs.
It came as part of the big announcements from Sen. Dave McCormick at his Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
Jake Ruth, one neighbor that we spoke to in Peach Bottom Township, seemed on board with the plans.
“As long as it doesn’t take away from the small-town feel, you know, then I’m OK with it,” Ruth said.
Ruth was spending Friday with his kids in the sprinklers of his front yard, which is exactly what he said you’d expect in this community.
“It’s a one-street town, like you see out of, like you see out of Hallmark movies,” Ruth said.
York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler told News 8 that they’re thrilled to see the investment in our community.
“It’s so great for us and our economic growth,” Wheeler said. “And I think this is a wonderful example of how we are building a better York County by being on the leading edge of economic progress.”
Wheeler added that the project is a huge part of York’s future as a major player in the energy and technology sectors.
“We’re thrilled that conversations continue to happen with York 2 Energy. And now we’re getting the data center, $5 billion investment in our community here,” Wheeler said.
Ruth said the data center should be good for this town, creating jobs.
Ruth was asked if he was concerned at all that a $5 billion investment could change his community.
“Not really,” Ruth responded. “No, I think that that might actually help with, like, community centers and schools.”
AI continues to be a topic of controversy for a lot of people — questioning whether it’s good or bad.
For Ruth, it was an easy answer.
“I don’t necessarily know that it’s going to turn into like Skynet or anything like that as much as just be, I don’t know, I guess like an Alexa in your house,” Ruth said. “It’s weird, but it’s the future,” Ruth said.
And to this point, Wheeler said the community has agreed with the positive response to the announcement.
“I have not got one phone call or one e-mail on any pushback at this juncture,” Wheeler said.
They are early in the process, but she’s hopeful that the project will begin and finish within the next few years.
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READ THE FULL STORY:$5 billion data center investment in York County is generating enthusiasm among local leaders
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