MT. ORAB, Ohio — A union representative called on village leaders to adopt measures ensuring local workers benefit from construction of a proposed data center on Mt. Orab’s 1,000-acre mega-site.
Trampas Puckett, representing the Central Midwest Carpenters Union, addressed council Feb. 17. He warned that data center projects frequently rely on out-of-state crews, limiting economic spillover for nearby communities. Puckett proposed incentive agreements or requirements that reserve a portion of construction jobs for residents within a defined geographic radius.
Council members are considering options to prioritize local hiring amid broader discussions about the site’s future. The mega-site, sold in late 2024 under a confidential agreement identifying data center use, has sparked debate over job creation versus infrastructure demands. Supporters view it as a potential economic driver for Brown and Clermont counties, while critics raise concerns about water, power and environmental impacts.
No final decisions on hiring policies or project approvals have been announced. Village officials continue to weigh community input as planning advances.
