Google Wins Approval for Massive Data Center in Barber County
Barber County commissioners have finalized an agreement with Google for a planned data center project. The 2-0 vote comes after months of debate over the 1.7 million square foot facility, and frustration from residents who say they weren't given enough answers about the project.
'We thought it was in our best interest to get some type of agreement with Google now, so we didn't end up not having one,' said commissioner Bryan Quick. '[It's] bringing in 300-500 full-time jobs. I mean, if you're looking at a county with 4,200 people... that's massive.'
The contract includes limitations on how close the development can be to nearby residents and city limits (over 2,000 feet away). Google will pay 100% of ad valorem property taxes and $5.5 million in community benefit payments to Barber County.
Barber County will also receive sales tax on Google’s purchase of electricity, with projected estimates of an additional $1 million to $1.5 million per year. The agreements include environmental, infrastructure, and community protections for the air-cooled center.