Overview
Google has revealed plans to invest an additional $1.7 billion to enhance three data-center campuses in central Ohio. The tech giant already operates a center in New Albany and had previously announced intentions to construct additional centers in Columbus and Lancaster in order to bolster its artificial intelligence technology and other tools. The investment will be utilized to finalize the Columbus and Lancaster centers and expand the existing facility in New Albany.
Details
Google’s Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Mark Isakowitz, stated that the newly acquired funding will be allocated towards completing the construction of the Columbus and Lancaster centers, as well as expanding the New Albany facility. However, specific details regarding these expansions were not disclosed.
Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, who also participated in Google’s announcement, confirmed that no tax credits or other public incentives were extended to Alphabet’s Google for this extensive data-center expansion.
The Rise of Data Centers
Data centers have increasingly emerged as lucrative revenue sources for local governments nationwide. Operating these centers demands significant amounts of electricity and the installation of high-voltage transmission lines.
As Google continues to invest heavily in expanding its data-center campuses, it reaffirms the company’s commitment to driving technological advancements and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence.