by J.D. Davidson
Microsoft plans to spend $1 billion to build three data centers in Central Ohio, and the state is kicking in tax breaks for the project.
Eventually, according to Microsoft, the entire project could create hundreds of full-time jobs at the campuses in Heath, Hebron and New Albany. The Heath and Hebron facilities still need local approval.
It’s the first phase of a planned project for Microsoft that the company says could involve around 400 construction jobs.
Officials said the timeline for the project still depends on design, planning and the permitting process.
“We are excited to work with state, regional, and local partners to bring new data center campuses to the Columbus region,” Bowen Wallace, Microsoft CVP Datacenters, Americas Region, said in a release. “The Columbus region’s skilled workforce, strong infrastructure and strategic location make it ideal for this project. Many Ohio businesses and government entities use the Microsoft cloud as the platform for their business operations. These data center developments will help us continue to effectively serve our Ohio customers.”
The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 100%, 15-year data center tax exemption for the project.
“Microsoft’s investment in these new data center campuses reflects a commitment to strengthening the communities where they will operate while building cloud infrastructure in Ohio,” JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef said. “Beyond the economic impact, these projects will bring lasting benefits by supporting local school districts, enhancing infrastructure, and creating new career pathways for residents.”
The Microsoft plan was part of a multi-project announcement across several industries and areas of the state, including Plastpro 2000, Inc.’s planned new facility in Ashtabula.
The fiber-glass door company plans to open a new facility in northeast Ohio, creating 145 full-time jobs and adding $7.9 million in new payroll. The state approved an eight-year, 1.357% job creation tax credit for the project.
– – –
An Ohio native, J.D. Davidson is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience in newspapers in Ohio, Georgia, Alabama and Texas. He has served as a reporter, editor, managing editor and publisher. Davidson is a regional editor for The Center Square.
Photo “Microsoft Building” by Coolcaesar. CC BY-SA 4.0.
