Facebook To Build A $1.5 Billion Data Center In Iowa

Facebook is planning to build a $1.5 billion data center project in Altoona, Iowa, that will cover 1.4 million square feet and serve as what the company says will be “the most advanced data center in the world.” The Des Moines Register, quoting sources in the state legislature, said the data center, code-named “Catapult,” will be built in two $500 million phases. When completed the total cost of the data center will hit the $1.5 billion price tag. As part of the deal, Facebook is also seeking wind energy production tax credits that would require legislative action. The Des Moines Register further reports that “the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board and Altoona’s City Council are expected to consider incentives for the project on Tuesday. State leaders have repeatedly declined to comment about the project. Facebook also has declined to comment.” Iowa has been competing fiercely for it with Nebraska over the past several months. The Register reports that the Facebook facility ...

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