Truth to Power

Big brother in Utah

Spies like us: NSA to build huge facility in Utah

Hoping to protect its top-secret operations by decentralizing its massive computer hubs, the National Security Agency will build a 1-million-square-foot data center at Utah’s Camp Williams.

The years-in-the-making project, which may cost billions over time, got a $181 million start last week when President Obama signed a war spending bill in which Congress agreed to pay for primary construction, power access and security infrastructure. The enormous building, which will have a footprint about three times the size of the Utah State Capitol building, will be constructed on a 200-acre site near the Utah National Guard facility’s runway.

Congressional records show that initial construction – which may begin this year – will include tens of millions in electrical work and utility construction, a $9.3 million vehicle inspection facility, and $6.8 million in perimeter security fencing. The budget also allots $6.5 million for the relocation of an existing access road, communications building and training area.

It will also require at least 65 megawatts of power – about the same amount used by every home in Salt Lake City combined. </em>

All that just to read people’s email. I feel safer. You feel safer? I feel safer, really I do.


Recently on Ink 19...

Navola

Navola

Print Reviews

Bring your loupe and spend some time poring over the maps that open Navola with Ian Koss.

Ant

Ant

Music Reviews

Collection of Sounds: Vol. 1 (Rhymesayers Entertainment). Review by Peter Lindblad.

New Dawn Fades

New Dawn Fades

Screen Reviews

Lily and Generoso review director Gürcan Keltek’s mesmerizing supernatural drama, New Dawn Fades, winner of the Best Feature Boccalino D’Oro Award of the 24th Independent Film Critics Awards of the 2024 Locarno International Film Festival.