Facebook to open huge data center in Utah

May 29, 2018 Utah Channel 3

ST. GEORGE — Facebook is coming to the “Silicon Slopes.”

The social media giant will build a nearly 1 million-square-foot data center in Utah that officials say will bring millions of dollars to the region. Gov. Gary Herbert predicted the new center would lead to more than $850 million in financial investment and infrastructure projects in the region.

Herbert and other state officials unveiled plans for the project Wednesday, which will be 40 miles south of Salt Lake City in Eagle Mountain. Utah County had previously approved $150 million in tax incentives for the project without divulging the company’s identity.

State officials said the project would represent massive property taxes and infrastructure improvements for the area.

“It is a significant opportunity,” Herbert said. “I don’t know if we can actually quantify all the benefits that are going to come to not only Eagle Mountain but Utah Valley and the state as a region.”

John Knotwell, CEO of the Utah Technology Council, said Facebook coming to Utah is a “win for the state and the region” because of the company’s name recognition.

“Utah’s vibrant workforce, attractive quality of life and commitment to collaboration are making Utah a hive of growth and a magnet for tech in the country,” Knotwell said. “This is one more step in the future
of this community. There is true value in creating or relocating a company here.”

Facebook’s head of data center strategy, Rachel Peterson, said the company picked the site because of the availability of renewable energy, local workforce and community support.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the next month and the center is slated to open in 2020. There will be a full-time staff of 30-50 people at the center.

Utah had previously tried to lure Facebook to suburban Salt Lake City in 2016, but the deal fell apart when some local leaders called the offer from West Jordan too generous.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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