Google is in the very early stages of reviewing this opportunity and evaluating options to determine if Salix is the right fit for a long-term partnership with the community. We recognize that there is a lot of speculation out there. We've built this page to be the source of truth for facts and updates as we move forward together.
Data centers are the engines of the internet. They power all the things we do online every day like browsing websites, watching videos and sending emails. From the outside, a data center looks similar to a modern warehouse; from the inside, it houses the "engine room" of the internet-thousands of powerful computers called servers that store and process almost everything we do online.
Data centers are the backbone of our digital world, supporting the essential services we rely on every day, for example:
Data centers power the electronic health records used by 78% of office-based physicians. Today, this technology also supports Al innovation that helps doctors accelerate cancer detection and assist in life-saving scientific discovery.
They make it possible for local businesses to process online payments and reach customers through the cloud. In fact, 75% of small businesses say that limited access to technology would harm their operations.
These facilities power local 911 systems, electronic banking, and remote work platforms. They even help local governments streamline services for citizens and track natural disasters like floods and wildfires to keep communities.
We want to be a neighbor that listens and gives back. Because data centers are major investments, Google's investments provide a large amount of state and local tax revenue into the communities we call home. This tax revenue often goes directly to funding local schools, fire departments, and parks—all while requiring very few city services in return.
At Google, we focus on Responsible Development.
Our projects are not "cookie-cutter" facilities; we evaluate each site individually to optimize for business needs, the environment, and the local community. These sites represent a significant economic investment in Salix creating thousands of construction jobs, hundreds of full-time operational roles, and improvements to local infrastructure. Beyond the facilities themselves, Google plans to partner with local organizations to expand access to skilled trades training, technology education, and no-cost Google Career Certificate programs, while also supporting other critical needs and local priorities.
We know you have questions about how a project like this might affect your daily life. Below you will find answers to some common questions. We also welcome you to share additional questions via the inquiry form below.
Will the data center cause energy bills to increase for local residents?
Google pays for 100% of the electricity and related infrastructure used to power its data centers. When built responsibly, data centers can provide long-term, reliable electric demand, helping increase utility revenue needed to support new energy infrastructure investments in a way that benefits all customers. We know rising energy costs are affecting U.S. families and businesses, and we are committed to keeping power affordable and accessible for residents and businesses. A core part of Google's responsible growth strategy is making sure data center expansion does not place additional burdens on local communities.
The facility will secretly consume millions of gallons of water
We are committed to responsible water stewardship. In consultation with local experts, we find the best cooling solution for each site - balancing the availability of carbon-free energy and responsibly-sourced water - to minimize the net climate impact both today and in the future. We annually publish our water usage in every metro on our Environmental Report.
The data center will produce deafening jet-engine noise and low-frequency humming 24/7.
We use high-tech, low-noise equipment, sound walls, and building setbacks to ensure we meet or exceed all local noise ordinances. Every project includes an expert acoustical study to model and minimize any impact on the surrounding area.
The data center will cause massive air pollution.
Day-to-day, a Google data center operates a lot like a large office building full of computers—which means everyday operations produce zero air emissions. We don't use smokestacks, chemical processes, or manufacturing systems that create air pollution. A Google data center actually has the same daily emissions profile as a standard office building.
