OpenAI works to build support for $20 billion Project Camellia amid some community opposition
As more people across the United States speak out against data centers used for artificial intelligence (AI), OpenAI is trying to gain support from people in Effingham County for Project Camellia. The project would be one of the largest investments by a private company ever proposed in coastal Georgia.
A recent Gallup survey found that seven out of 10 Americans do not want AI data centers built in their communities. In Effingham County, OpenAI's proposed $20 billion project has led to public protests, legal challenges and questions from residents about how it could affect their area.
OpenAI's Chief Financial Officer, Sarah Friar, talked about these concerns Thursday at a business meeting at the historic Mars Theatre in Springfield. Before giving the main speech, Friar spoke with WJCL 22 News about the investment, how it might help the local economy and why some people oppose it.
"We're here to show up, to listen, to learn, act and then be held accountable," Friar said. She meant that OpenAI wants to hear people's concerns, take action and be responsible for what it does.
The meeting, sponsored by OpenAI, brought local business and community leaders together to talk about technology, how jobs and the skills workers need are changing, and how to lead organizations. People also received hands-on training in using ChatGPT for everyday business tasks, including finding information, making plans, communicating and getting work done more efficiently.
But outside the meeting, OpenAI's plans to expand in the area are still causing disagreement.
Project Camellia would create a very large AI data center campus at the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub near Rincon. People living nearby are worried about whether OpenAI is sharing enough information, how much electricity and water the project will need, and whether it will cause more traffic and noise. These concerns are especially important to residents because the planned site is close to homes and schools.
OpenAI says it plans to share clear information and keep talking openly with people in the community.
"We have a whole team here on the ground. They will stay on the ground," Friar said. "This is not some fly-by where we come in and then we're gone tomorrow. It will only work if we are invested in the community and are good neighbors to the community." She said OpenAI wants to stay involved in the area rather than leave after starting the project.
OpenAI announces $2 million for Atlas Park
OpenAI has promised $80 million for a fund to help the local community. Local residents will have a say in how the money is used. The fund is expected to help schools, police and other public safety services, health care, electricity and water services, job training, housing, veterans, small businesses and working families.
On Thursday, OpenAI announced that it would give $2 million to help pay for the first stage of Atlas Park. This new outdoor recreation area is planned for land that used to be a sand mine.
The first stage will include building a system of trails. Plans for the park also include a 138-acre lake where people can swim, go boating and fish. There are also plans for camping areas, a covered gathering space, playgrounds and places to have picnics.
County leaders say Atlas Park will turn land that was once used for industrial work into an outdoor place where people can enjoy different activities. The project will also focus on helping restore natural areas where plants and animals live and making the environment better able to handle changes and damage.
Friar said the money for Atlas Park is one example of how OpenAI plans to work with local people as Project Camellia moves ahead.
"If you show up and try to build a pool in your backyard and don't tell your neighbor, it's not going to make many friends," Friar said. "So, we've actually shown up and slowed things down a little so we can talk to people and help here." She was explaining why the company is taking more time to speak with residents before moving forward.
OpenAI promises jobs and investment
OpenAI says Project Camellia will provide thousands of jobs for people building the campus. It also says the data center will offer permanent jobs with high pay once it opens and begins operating.
"When we're finally up and running, there'll be jobs here — good jobs, high-paying jobs," Friar said. "And we think ultimately that's great for the local community as well."
People who support the project also say it could bring in a large amount of tax money for the state and local governments. They believe it could create business opportunities for local construction companies and other businesses. But people who oppose the project still question whether the money and jobs it could bring will be worth the extra pressure it may put on local roads, electricity and water systems, and natural resources.
Construction of Project Camellia is expected to begin in stages in 2028. Work on the project is expected to continue through 2032. OpenAI says people in the community will help decide how the rest of the money set aside for community benefits will be spent.