AI Data Centers Hit $41B Spending, Creating Worker Shortage Battle with Government Infrastructure Projects

Dec 15, 2025
TechCrunch
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Summary

AI data centers surge to $41 billion in construction spending, matching government transportation budgets and triggering fierce competition for scarce construction workers as states issue record $600 billion in infrastructure debt.

Key Points

  • AI data center construction reaches $41 billion annualized spending, matching state and local government transportation infrastructure investment levels
  • State and local governments sell record debt amounts for second consecutive year, with $600 billion projected for next year to fund infrastructure projects
  • Construction labor shortages from retirements and immigration policies create competition between data centers and traditional infrastructure projects for workers

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