Local contractors and unions say Hermantown data center could bring construction work

Several speakers told the council the proposed data center would create substantial construction work for local trades and firms.

Kirk Island, vice president of Lakehead Constructors, said his 110‑year‑old firm employs local ironworkers, carpenters and pipefitters and that construction on a project of this size would provide several years of well‑paying jobs. Nate Rickard, a union pipe fitter, said union trades support the project for the jobs it creates but added that the project should not be allowed to harm Hermantown and suggested forming a joint committee of supporters and opponents to address mitigation.

Other commenters cautioned that many construction jobs are temporary and warned of longer‑term employment displacement from automation; John Munter and Derek Strum framed longer‑term labor and property impacts as policy questions the community must weigh. Supporters asked the city to balance employment opportunities against environmental and community protections before final agreements are signed.