Google Data Center Plan Moves Forward in Barber County

A proposed Google data center in Barber County, Kansas is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The project, dubbed 'Project Helium', would be located about eight miles east of Medicine Lodge and cover an area of approximately 1.7 million square feet.

According to estimates, the data center could generate nearly $10 million in annual property taxes for the county alone, although Kansas offers up to 20 years of tax exemption for large-scale data centers.

The proposed agreement between Google and Barber County addresses concerns about water usage and noise levels. The project would use air-cooling technology and purchase all necessary water from a regulated municipal utility, rather than relying on a new well or other water source.