FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2026
CONTACT: Dana Kuhnline, 513 601 9854, [email protected]
APPALACHIA — Today, ReImagine Appalachia hosted a webinar on how data center development projects can involve good-paying construction jobs and community benefits. The event is part of the coalition’s ongoing series on responsible data center development.
“What we can expect from these large data center projects is anywhere from 500 to 1,500 construction workers, millions of dollars in payroll, we’re talking about keeping real money flowing in the communities of West Virginia,” said John Epperly, Secretary-Treasurer at West Virginia State Building Trades. “And why union construction matters: it ensures training, safety, consistency, it builds a local workforce and keeps our apprenticeship programs – the pipelines for them – flowing and most of all it creates permanent jobs.”
Watch a recording of today’s webinar, Data Centers and ConstructIon Employment, here.
The construction industry’s spending on data centers is set to hit $3 trillion within five years. In 2026, trends suggest that data center construction spending could jump 23 percent over 2025 levels, meaning data centers could account for 6 percent of all nonresidential building construction.
“Data centers are controversial, and it’s important that communities have a voice in the type of planning and development they want to see. What is not up for debate is that if we are building a data center, we must ensure that construction jobs provide good wages, high safety standards, and open career pathways through on-the-job training opportunities for local workers.” – Dana Kuhnline, Programs Director at ReImagine Appalachia.
This event convened experts from regional union construction organizations to discuss how contractors can maximize benefits with project labor agreements, ensure compliance with responsible development practices, and secure apprenticeships and long-term employment when building facilities.
Speakers included:
Marshall Brown, Director at Mid-Atlantic LECET
Justin Williams, Director at WV Affiliated Construction Trades
John Epperly, Secretary-Treasurer at WV State Building Trades
Event recording: here.
About ReImagine Appalachia
ReImagine Appalachia is a coalition working to ensure Appalachia is a leader in building a clean energy economy that creates good jobs and strengthens communities.