CT Lawmakers Pass Measure Pushing Tech Development In Poor Areas

CONNECTICUT — The state House of Representatives has approved legislation that will encourage the development of data centers in Connecticut, mandated to be located in federally recognized opportunity zones.

The move is intended to help boost the development of economically distressed areas.

Gov. Ned Lamont applauded the legislation, calling the bipartisan passage of the measure "exactly what our residents want to see when it comes to our commitment to economic growth and continuing our Connecticut comeback."

Lamont said the passage of the bill by the House was a signal to the technology industry that Connecticut supports development of that business sector locally.

"Data centers are the backbone of the digital age, and with this growing need we are witnessing a significant period of national growth to build these infrastructures and create the corresponding jobs that support their operations," Lamont said.

The legislation is An Act Concerning Incentives for Qualified Data Centers To Locate in the State. It next must be approved by the State Senate.