AI is driving a data center boom in rural America. Locals are divided on the benefits

By Monica Nickelsburg

Published August 17, 2025 at 9:02 AM EDT

Artificial intelligence is driving a data center building boom across rural America, including in central Washington. But critics say the centers do not produce enough jobs — and drain resources.

Monica Nickelsburg

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

One neurosurgeon, 8 million patients

Sophia Li

Alieu Kamara is the first and only neurosurgeon in Sierra Leone. "Before Dr. Kamara, there was no hope," said professor Kehinde Oluwadiya of the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospital Complex.
NPR News

Sunday Puzzle: Dressed to the rhymes

Will Shortz

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with Weekend Edition puzzle master Will Shortz and NEPM listener Alison Triebwasser of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
Attendees at a conference about authoritarianism in D.C. discuss Trump's crackdown

Frank Langfitt

After the Trump administration took over control of the police department in Washington, D.C. last week, experts attending a conference on authoritarianism in the capital said they recognized some of the president's tactics.
With more National Guard troops on the way to D.C., hundreds march in protest

Brian Mann

This weekend, people in Washington, D.C., have been adapting to their police department being under federal control as the Trump administration has taken over policing.
Protests in Israel call for an end to war, video shows prominent Palestinian prisoner

Jane Arraf

Israelis are holding protests calling for their government to end the war in Gaza. Palestinian leaders have also condemned a far-right Israeli politician for berating a notable Palestinian prisoner.