Hager discusses Intel and the need for better infrastructure on AWF

Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager made his monthly appearance on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast where he discussed the Intel megaproject and the need for better infrastructure in Central Ohio. 

Hager kicked off the segment by updating AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc about the Intel megaproject, the largest privately-funded construction project in Ohio.

Dorsey Hager, C/COBCTC Executive Secretary-Treasurer

Nearly 2,000 building trades members are currently working at Intel, and by the end of the year, around 2,500 are expected to be onsite, Hager said. 

This week, there were multiple pre-jobs with large sheet metal contractors discussing the exhaust, ductwork and related systems.

According to Hager, between 400 and 600 sheet metal workers will be needed on site. There are still cement masons, laborers and operating engineers on site pouring concrete. 

“Once they’re done pouring concrete for the first two fabs, there will be enough concrete that they could have poured a two-lane highway from Columbus to Anchorage, Alaska,” Hager said. 

New project 

Hager couldn’t provide many details yet, but he was happy to share what he could with Ferenc about a new project that will be announced soon. 

Last week, an undisclosed customer told Dorsey they are planning to build eight data centers in Central Ohio. 

This project will create between 600 and 800 jobs per datacenter for the affiliated members of the C/COBCTC. 

Each datacenter is expected to take anywhere from four to nine months to build, making the whole project timeline anywhere between four to six years. 

“It’s all good stuff and it’s keeping us really busy, which is awesome,” Hager said. 

Improving infrastructure and transportation

America’s Workforce Radio Host Ed “Flash” Ferenc

Ferenc then asked Hager how the infrastructure in Central Ohio can accommodate the growing population. 

Recently, Hager met with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) to discuss the most efficient way to transport people from their homes to the job centers.

“I think what you’re going to see is they’ve already started with a lot of federal infrastructure dollars on the (Interstate) 70-71 interchange, which is going to make it easier for people and trucks to haul goods and services to get through the city quickly and easily without traffic tie-ups,” Hager said. 

According to Hager, LinkUs and COTA are working to improve the bus and rapid transit system so that people can efficiently get where they need to go.

Hager stressed the importance of making public transportation more accessible so people can get to and from work easier and said it will be an issue on the ballot in November. 

An infrastructure investment will increase opportunities and provide more consistent work for members of the building trades.

“If we get this accomplished and the city continues to grow, the benefits to the building trades are going to be incredible,” Hager said. 

Listen to the full interview here.