Central Pennsylvania is on the cusp of a major economic transformation.
According to recent reports, over $26 billion in datacenter projects are planned for the region, promising to reshape the local economy, create thousands of jobs and position the area as a key player in the digital infrastructure boom.
Pennsylvania Data Center Partners and PowerHouse Data Centers are planning a $15 billion datacenter campus in the Carlisle area. This will be the second-largest project in the state.
Other planned datacenters include a $6 billion investment by CoreWeave in the Lancaster area and a $5 billion investment by Energy Capital Partners in York County.
IBEW Local 143 electricians will play a crucial role working on these projects over the upcoming years, as the demand for datacenters has skyrocketed due to more businesses and consumers relying on cloud computing, streaming and online services.
The appeal of Central Pennsylvania lies in its combination of affordable land, reliable power and proximity to major East Coast cities. The region’s existing infrastructure and skilled workforce make it an ideal location for tech giants and developers looking to expand their digital footprint.
Local officials and business leaders anticipate the $26 billion investment will create thousands of new construction jobs, increase demand for local contractors and significantly increase tax revenue to support schools, public safety and community programs
Opportunities for union trades
These megaprojects represent a major opportunity for members of the area’s building trades.With the scale and technical complexity of modern datacenters, developers are seeking experienced, highly trained workers to ensure projects are completed safely, on time and built to code.
For building trades unions such as IBEW Local 143, this boom is a chance to showcase the value of union labor and connect members with high-quality, well-paying jobs in their communities.
As Central Pennsylvania prepares for this unprecedented wave of development, local governments, workforce agencies and unions are collaborating to ensure the region is ready.
Training programs, apprenticeship opportunities and recruitment campaigns are ramping up to meet the anticipated demand.
The arrival of $26 billion in datacenter projects signals a new era for Central Pennsylvania, one defined by innovation, economic growth and opportunity. As the digital economy continues to expand, the region is poised to become a vital hub for technology and skilled labor in the years ahead.