Construction on Google’s massive Franklin Furnace data center appears to be accelerating, and Scioto County Commissioner Merit Smith says the project could soon become one of the largest construction sites in the region.
Speaking during Thursday’s Scioto County Commissioners meeting, Smith said he recently toured the site and came away impressed with the pace of work.
“I was up there for a meeting last week,” Smith said.
According to project managers, crews are working to stay ahead of schedule because the technology industry moves quickly.
“They were being pushed pretty hard to stay ahead of schedule,” Smith said. “The thing is, in this industry, things will change before tomorrow. The faster we get it built, the less they can change.”
Hundreds Already on Site
Smith said construction is already well underway, with between 150 and 200 workers currently at the site.
“As of right now, I think he said there was between 150 and 200 people on site,” Smith said. “Most of them equipment operators and truck drivers.”
But that’s only the beginning.
Peak Workforce Could Top 3,500
When commissioners first discussed the project earlier this year, estimates called for roughly 1,200 to 1,500 construction workers at peak activity.
Smith said those numbers have changed dramatically.
“I specifically asked that question,” he said. “He assured me they expect around 3,500 construction workers at the peak.”
He said that surge in workers could arrive within the next six months.
If those estimates hold true, the Franklin Furnace project would become one of the largest construction efforts ever seen in Scioto County.
Local Businesses Getting Ready
The expected influx of thousands of workers is already prompting nearby businesses to prepare.
Smith said project representatives have been meeting with local retailers to encourage them to stock up before construction reaches full speed.
“They’ve had discussions with local stores saying, ‘You’re going to be overrun. Make sure your card readers work and you have walls full of energy drinks,'” Smith said.
Because there are relatively few restaurants near the construction site, the project is also planning a designated area where food trucks can serve workers throughout the day.
Smith said even the nearby dairy bar has been told to prepare for increased business.
“They talked to the little dairy bar down the street and told them to get ready,” he said.
EPA Permits Cleared
Smith said one of the last major hurdles had been obtaining environmental permits.
“I think the hold up was the EPA permit, and they have them now,” he said. “They are doing a lot of work. It won’t be long.”
Google’s proposed Project Dazzler data center has been one of the most closely watched economic development projects in Scioto County history. While the project generated months of debate over issues such as water use, traffic, and tax incentives, commissioners have repeatedly pointed to the jobs and economic activity the project is expected to bring.
Thursday’s update suggests construction is beginning to shift from planning to full-scale development, with local businesses already preparing for what could be thousands of workers arriving in the Franklin Furnace area over the coming months.
