Microsoft has announced plans to build two more data centers in the Des Moines area, generating dozens of high-paying jobs.
The Des Moines Register reports that the tech giant confirmed that its land purchases last month are for the development of more space for servers that bolster its cloud computing operations.
West Des Moines Community and Economic Development Director Clyde Evans said he expects developers to break ground on the new projects next September and open the first buildings in the fall of 2022. Evans said the projects typically cost between $1-2 billion, occupy about 1.2 million-1.8 million square feet and employ 50 to 75 workers. The average employee makes $75,000 a year.
Evans said the city is drafting proposed tax increment financing for the deal, using Microsoft’s property tax payments on the projects to cover the costs of road and other surrounding infrastructure improvements.
The new data centers bring the company’s total in the city to five.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.