Northwest Indiana could see a major boost to its labor market if a $10 billion, 1‑gigawatt data‑center campus were built in the region, according to a study released by Indiana University Bloomington economics professor Justin Ross and Capital University finance professor Saurav Roychoudhury.
Economic impact and job creation
The researchers used federal economic data to model the effects of the proposed campus on the eight‑county area. Their three‑year construction scenario would produce about $6.7 billion in regional economic output and $1.34 billion in earnings, supporting roughly 20,133 job‑years. Once operational, the campus would generate $845.8 million in annual economic output and sustain an estimated 2,986 jobs each year.
Only about 300 of those positions would be full‑time data‑center workers. The remaining jobs would be in sectors that support the facilities, such as construction, skilled trades, maintenance, energy supply, workforce training, professional services and the broader local economy.
Electricity and ancillary services drive employment
Electricity spending would be the largest single driver of jobs. The study estimates data‑center operators would purchase roughly $342 million in local electricity each year, creating $497.8 million in economic activity and supporting 1,116 jobs. Maintenance and on‑site systems services would add another $330.1 million in output and support 1,815 jobs.
Workers employed by the data‑center ecosystem would also spend money on housing, retail, health care and other local services, contributing an additional $154.8 million to the regional economy annually.
County‑specific opportunities
Each county stands to benefit in different ways. Lake County could provide internet connectivity, cybersecurity and operating services. Porter County’s existing equipment, transportation and storage firms could support the campus’s logistics needs. LaPorte County already hosts a Microsoft data‑center campus, and Amazon has announced a project in Jasper County. Newton and Pulaski counties could see improvements in broadband access and growth for smaller tech firms, while Starke County could become a hub for workforce training that serves the entire region.
Local readiness and cautions
According to Roychoudhury, Northwest Indiana already possesses many of the necessary businesses—steel manufacturers, electrical equipment suppliers, construction firms, transportation and storage providers, and equipment repair shops—to meet the demand without displacing existing customers.
However, the study warns that the projected benefits are not guaranteed. Only $682 million of the estimated $5.5 billion in spending on servers, chips and networking gear would remain in the region, meaning a substantial portion of the supply chain could be sourced elsewhere. The authors also note that the analysis does not account for environmental costs, potential impacts on utility rates, land‑use concerns or other public expenses.
Northwest Indiana Forum president and CEO Heather Ennis emphasized that the report offers a roadmap for counties to prepare their industries, identify firms that can pivot to serve the data‑center market, and target workforce investments where they will have the greatest impact.
Next steps for local leaders
The authors recommend that local officials monitor contracts, payroll and worker residency to gauge how much of the economic benefit stays within the region. By tracking these metrics, policymakers can ensure that the promised job growth translates into lasting prosperity for families and communities across Northwest Indiana.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
