Gov. Kehoe discusses future of AI and data centers at Rolla conference

ROLLA, Mo. (KMIZ)

State leaders, industry experts, researchers and business stakeholders gathered in Rolla on Thursday to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and data center development in Missouri.

Gov. Mike Kehoe hosted the conference at Missouri S&T's new Proto-Plex building, bringing together leaders from across the state to explore how Missouri can position itself as artificial intelligence technology continues to grow.

The event began at 9 a.m. and is scheduled to run through 3:30 p.m.

Gov. Mike Kehoe was joined by Tim Marczewski of the Missouri Office of Administration, as well as Missouri S&T faculty members Dr. Amaury Lendasse and Dr. Genda Chen.

As AI technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life and business operations, researchers and engineers said data centers play a critical role in supporting those systems. Data centers provide the computing power and infrastructure needed to keep AI programs operating around the clock.

According to AI experts, the five key components of a data center are computing, cooling, power, security and operations.

Dr. Chen said that a data center building could last decades years, while IT equipment needed to be refreshed multiple times:

• Servers: 3-7 years
• Storage Systems: 3-8 years
• Network Equipment: 5-10 years
• UPS Systems: 10-20 years
• Cooling Systems: 15-25 years
• Generators: 20-30+ yeas
• Building Structure: 30-60+ years

The conference drew a large crowd of industry leaders, researchers, educators and community members interested in the technology's future and its potential economic impact on Missouri.

However, not everyone supported the state's efforts to encourage additional AI and data center development.

A group of protesters gathered outside the conference with posters, raising concerns about the environmental, economic and community impacts of large-scale data centers.

Marsha Snodgrass, who is running for Missouri House District 143, said residents she hopes to represent have concerns about the potential impact data centers could have on utility costs, water resources and quality of life.

"They're concerned about their electric prices going up," Snodgrass said. "They feel that these data centers are like a runaway train, that they're just plowing into their communities."

Supporters of the projects argue that data centers could bring significant economic benefits to Missouri. Organizers said each facility could create hundreds of jobs, including positions for engineers, researchers, electricians, construction workers and other skilled trades.

They also pointed to Missouri's available land and existing energy infrastructure as advantages that make the state attractive for future development.

But for some rural residents, those same factors have become a source of concern.

"They're worried about the effect that the light and noise is going to have on their neighborhood," Snodgrass said. "There's a reason why people live in rural Missouri, because Missouri is beautiful and we love it that way."

Franklin County resident Jeff Hayden said he is concerned that two proposed data centers near his home could negatively affect his property and quality of life.

"Things have been going really poorly for the public due to non-disclosure agreements by commissioners and people in power not listening to the public," Hayden said.

State leaders and researchers sought to address many of those concerns during the event.

Gov. Kehoe said Missouri intends to pursue data center development while balancing economic growth and community interests.

"But we're going to do it the Missouri way with common sense responsibility and with a focus on making sure this technology serves people and not the other way around," Kehoe said.

Dr. Genda Chen, a researcher at Missouri S&T, said Amazon's planned $10 billion investment in Missouri would help fund the energy infrastructure upgrades needed to support the facilities, rather than placing those costs directly on residents.

Chen also pushed back on concerns about water usage, saying Missouri has abundant water resources that can support future development.

Kehoe acknowledged that energy prices are expected to rise over time because of growing demand, regardless of whether the proposed data centers move forward.

The governor also connected the projects to broader President Donald Trump's national efforts to strengthen the country's technological competitiveness.

"Just like generations before us stepped up to meet big moments in history, it's our opportunity to step up and secure America's leadership in this next generation of innovation," Kehoe said.

Snodgrass said she still feels Thursday's press conference was informational but believes residents are not receiving full transparency about the projects.

According to the presentation, more than half of recent job postings now require AI-related skills. Those skills also command higher pay, with workers earning an average of 28% more, roughly $18,000 annually.