Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, is set to establish an $800 million data center at the River Ridge Commerce Center in southern Indiana. Governor Eric Holcomb believes this could lead Indiana to become the “AI (artificial intelligence) capital of the Midwest.” This will be Meta’s 18th data center in the U.S. and 22nd globally. The investment requires substantial resources in computer servers and electricity consumption, albeit creating relatively few permanent jobs. The data center will provide jobs for approximately 100 individuals during its operations and up to 1,250 during construction. Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore expressed great excitement about the project, referring to it as “the biggest announcement ever made out of Jeffersonville, Clark County.” He mentioned that discussions about the project began in 2019 and were briefly halted by COVID-19. Despite this setback, Moore emphasized the resiliency of Jeffersonville’s economy. The data center will be powered entirely by renewable energy, consistent with Meta’s approach across all its data centers. According to Brad Davis, the director of data center community and economic development for Meta, the site at River Ridge Commerce Center offers essential attributes such as access to infrastructure, renewable energy supply, a significant talent pool, and strong community partnerships. Davis stressed that the data center is a crucial component in delivering technologies and services to billions of people worldwide. The facility, spanning nearly 700,000 square feet, will be the 18th in the U.S. and the 22nd worldwide for Meta. Jeffersonville rose to the top of the list due to its ready-to-use location, spanning over 600 acres. The $800 million investment is anticipated to have a far-reaching impact on the city, as it will create not only employment opportunities within the building but also for the entire campus. Mayor Moore described the announcement as a “huge day” for Jeffersonville and emphasized the positive ripple effect that a strong corporate base could have on the city. He also commended Meta’s efforts in partnering with local schools in communities where it establishes data centers. Meta’s director, Brad Davis, emphasized the company’s commitment to collaborating with schools and organizations in the data center communities to enhance technology skills and support local needs. Construction is scheduled to commence this month, with the facility expected to be operational by 2026. Mayor Moore highlighted the overall benefits the project could bring to Jeffersonville, even for those who may not directly work for Meta. Further Southern Indiana Business News: Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
