Washington, Jan 6---Congressman Rob Bishop (UT-01) today recognized the official groundbreaking for construction of the National Security Agency’s (NSA) National Data Center project located at Camp Williams, Utah.  The NSA serves as Executive Agent for the greater U.S. intelligence community

The construction of this new facility, estimated at nearly $2 billion, is one of the largest federal construction projects in Utah’s history.  The project is set to employ anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000 workers throughout the various stages for both general and subcontractors and will also employ on a permanent basis anywhere from 200 to 500 highly skilled local civilian workers.  

“Construction of the NSA Data Center at Camp Williams will be exceptionally beneficial to Utah.  Not only will it provide thousands of construction jobs, it will also bring hundreds of new and much needed long-term jobs for Utahns.  This is such an important project for our state as we continue to weather these tough economic times,” said Bishop.

While many details regarding specifics of the project and its operations are classified, the NSA has stated publicly that the facility will assist in helping the U.S. with electronic intelligence gathering as well as national defense efforts against the growing threats of cyber attacks.

“I am proud that Utah will be home to one of the most important facilities in our country dedicated to the defense of our nation against growing threats of terrorism and cyber warfare,” Bishop added.  “I was pleased to join with the rest of Utah’s Congressional delegation in helping to secure the approvals necessary for this project to go forward and I will continue to support its continuing and vital role in our nation’s defense.”

Congressman Bishop is unable to attend today’s ceremony in person due to Congressional duties and obligations in Washington, D.C.