Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week:
Data center boom sparks backlash (statewide impact): A major controversy is unfolding in Archbald (Lackawanna County), where multiple large-scale data centers are proposed—covering ~14% of the town. Residents are pushing back over environmental impact, water usage, and grid strain, forcing state leaders (including Gov. Shapiro) to reconsider how aggressively to fast-track these projects. This reflects a broader statewide trend: rapid growth of AI/data infrastructure vs. community resistance—a defining construction issue right now. Data centers are becoming one of the largest drivers of non-residential construction in PA, but also one of the most politically sensitive. READ MORE.
$10B power plant + data center construction project underway: A massive energy + data center campus project near Homer City, Pennsylvania has begun construction, with projections of thousands of jobs. This project reinforces the energy–construction linkage and shows where large-scale capital is flowing in Pennsylvania construction. READ MORE.
Permitting reform framed as a workforce/jobs issue: US Senator Dave McCormick introduced federal legislation targeting permitting delays that are holding up infrastructure and energy projects. The argument: delays are tying up thousands of potential construction jobs and trillions in economic activity. Workforce shortages aren’t just about labor supply anymore. Project delays = idle workforce capacity + missed job creation. READ MORE.
CAPTION: The KCA Board of Directors and their spouses gathered recently for its Spring meeting.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania
Building Pennsylvania 