Another global brand is coming on the way to Huntsville.
Facebook has unveiled plans to build a 970,000-square-foot data center in Huntsville. It’s a $750 million project that will create 100 jobs.
The facility, which will be in North Huntsville Industrial Park, is expected to open in 2020. Local officials previously approved the purchase of 340 acres in the park for $8.5 million by an entity connected to the project, as we reported last month.
According to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, the average salary for the facility will be $80,000 per year.
Facebook said Huntsville seemed like a natural fit for the company. According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, Facebook said it chose Huntsville because of quality-of-life factors, the city’s pro-business environment and the area’s educated and available workforce.
“We are excited to be joining the Huntsville community. As one of the fastest growing tech hubs in the country, we knew it would be a great location for our newest data center,” said Matt VanderZanden, director of site selection at Facebook.
Facebook will receive an investment credit under the Alabama Jobs Act of $86.25 million over 10 years. Over 30 years, the project is expected to create nearly $300 million in new revenue for the state, county and city, according to WAFF.
Facebook said it worked with the Tennessee Valley Authority to establish a renewable energy tariff to let qualifying customers buy renewable resources. The statement said Facebook is working closely with TVA to identify new solar projects that will power 100 percent of the facility.
The project is the latest in a series of big economic development victories for Huntsville – a list that includes a new Toyota-Mazda joint venture that will employ 4,000 workers.
Click Here for the full article from the BBJ by Ty West
