Google identified as company behind Fort Wayne data center project
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The Fortune 100 company behind a planned $845 million data center project in southeast Fort Wayne has been unveiled. Google on Friday announced it has purchased the nearly 900 acres of land being used for the development, which until now has been known as “Project Zodiac.”
The city first announced the project in October, but said at the time that it couldn’t name the company “due to the competitive nature of their industry.”
Google spokesperson Devon Smiley confirmed the company is behind the project to Inside INdiana Business, but declined to provide any more information.
“When Google joins a new community, we are committed to being active members and partnering closely with local leaders to meaningfully contribute to the priorities of that community,” Smiley said in an email to IIB. “Fort Wayne is no different; in partnership with the City of Fort Wayne, the sale of the land will support community wide initiatives.”
The project is expected to create about 30 jobs at the campus, which could have up to 12 buildings.
“I want to extend a warm Hoosier welcome to Google and its new data center,” Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a statement to IIB. “This is yet another example of the Indiana momentum that’s reaching all corners of our state. Northeast Indiana has the tools, resources and workforce to support this exciting partnership with Google, especially in an industry so important to our digitally driven future.”
Tom Trent, an attorney representing the company told the Fort Wayne Common Council last month that the $845 million investment would support the construction of the first building on the campus. With additional buildings planned, that investment could grow to up to $4 billion, he said.
The council unanimously approved a 10-year, 50% real property tax abatement on each building that would be constructed on the campus. City and county officials previously approved the annexation of nearly 730 acres of land into the city for the proposed project.
In a statement released Friday, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry called the announcement a major win for the community and said the city is grateful for Google’s commitment.
“This development is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will bring excellent jobs, new economic development possibilities, and further strengthen our community’s place as an ideal location for businesses to invest,” Henry said. “A lot of work has gone into getting the necessary approvals to move the data center project across the finish line. This new initiative will continue the unprecedented positive momentum being experienced in Fort Wayne and position our community for current and future success.”
Over the last few months, many residents have expressed concerns about the project to city officials, particularly over increased traffic, environmental impact, and noise pollution.
During the Dec. 22 meeting of the city council when the incentives were approved for the project, Councilor Sharon Tucker, who represents the district in which the data center will be built, said she visited a similar facility outside of Fort Wayne and was confident that noise would not be an issue with the new campus.
“Based on what I saw with my own eyes, this is not the monster that many people are fearful that this project is,” Tucker said. “The sound decibels that were there were not the sounds that people are fearful that it is. I know that may not be sexy, or may not be what people want to hear, but I went to seek the truth, and that is the truth that I’m coming back to share with this council body.”
Officials said the new jobs would pay an average salary of $65,000, for a total of nearly $2 million in new payroll. A timeline for construction of the first data center building has not been released.