Pretty neat video of 58 million of your tax dollars hard at work. Some aerial footage of the new data center being built by Apple in Catawba County.
I’m still waiting for all the greeny environmentalists to put down their iPhones or iPads long enough to notice the number of poor defenseless trees who gave their lives for this or the fact that data centers are one of the largest users of electricity (you know, that stuff that when generated cause global warming).
Just a couple of observations, Chris:
I couldn’t find any info about Apple pursuing sustainable construction (LEEDS) methods with this project, so they probably aren’t, as such things are usually touted.
But as far as trees being destroyed when land is cleared, you should check out what the EPA did at their RTP Campus. They sent out a public announcement to encourage volunteers to come to the site before it was cleared to relocate native plants and trees, and a whole bunch of folks took them up on it. Something like 65% of the plant life ended up in various yards and gardens in the area, and the remaining trees were ground up into chips and mulch and used for landscaping. Just thought I would throw that in there.
And I agree that this incentive (and most others) is a huge waste of taxpayer dollars. After construction is completed and operations begin, this facility is only going to provide what, fifty jobs? That’s crazy.
“After construction is completed and operations begin, this facility is only going to provide what, fifty jobs? That’s crazy.”
So, Steve, do you agree that Obama’s “stimulus” plan is “crazy”?
Because after all the makework construction jobs are completed, what jobs will be left?
You’re really talking about two different things, Brian. Stimulus funding for infrastructure projects like roads & muni facilities is designed to replace funding that dried up from a lack of state/local revenues due to the recession. That part of the stimulus is not about creating jobs, it’s about preserving them until the state/local governments can afford to resume funding.
These targeted state incentive programs are supposed to create jobs, as well as provide fresh revenue streams down the road. They are (each) supposed to be an investment that will eventually move into the black, but somewhere along the line that last part’s been forgotten.
Glad to hear you admit that public works spending is not about creating jobs.
You might want to let our Governor know about that:
http://www.ncrecovery.gov/News/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?newsItemID=93
“These projects will make a difference to the lives of North Carolinians by creating or sustaining jobs vital to our economy…” Gov. Perdue said.