Microsoft is the latest business planning to build a massive data center in Iowa as the state continues to attract some of the biggest technology companies looking for a place to expand their computer processing and storage abilities.
Microsoft is proposing to spend more than $677 million on the West Des Moines data center. The company is receiving $20 million in tax credits to create 29 jobs. The Iowa Economic Development Authority on Friday approved the incentives.
Already Microsoft, Facebook, and Google have chosen Iowa for data centers. Microsoft's total investment is expected to exceed $1 billion in Iowa with the new project.
Industry consultants say Iowa offers plentiful, inexpensive electricity and policies that alleviate millions of dollars in property and sales taxes.