Building a Stronger
Tomorrow, Together
Salix Data Center
Google is in the very early stages of exploring a potential data center development in Salix.
Google has a long history of developing and operating data centers responsibly. Since 2007, Google has been honored to call Iowa home. Our journey in the state began with our Council Bluffs campus, where we have maintained a long-standing commitment to being a good neighbor. Over nearly two decades, we have invested more than $20 billion in our Iowa operations, creating thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to the local and state economy. The purpose of this potential project in Salix is to meet our users' growing demands for Google's products and services.
We recognize that projects of this nature come with valid questions from the people in the communities we hope to call home and we are committed to early public dialogue, active listening, and open collaboration. We've built this website to be the source of truth for facts and updates as we move forward together.
What is a data center?
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.
Why Do Data Centers Matter?
Data centers are the backbone of our digital world, supporting the essential services we rely on every day, for example:
Powering Everyday Technology
Data centers support the digital services we rely on every day - including 911 systems, electronic banking, remote work, video streaming, and email.
Supporting Businesses & Essential Services
They help businesses operate efficiently through cloud-based tools, online payments, and logistics systems while enabling governments, hospitals, and companies to securely store and share critical information.
Driving Innovation
Data centers also power advancements in artificial intelligence, scientific research, cancer detection, and natural disaster tracking, helping shape the future of technology and public safety.
Operating Sustainably
We aspire to build the most efficient computing systems, while caring for water resources and making energy grids strong. We work with communities to ensure we responsibly power the products and services our communities rely on. Learn more at https://datacenters.google/
How This Helps Salix and Iowa Grow
We want to be a neighbor that listens and gives back. Data centers are major investments, and we build to benefit the community. A potential Google data center in Salix represents a generational investment of over $1 billion in the region, bringing new tax revenue that would benefit schools and other essential services, high-quality permanent jobs, thousands of construction roles, and meaningful opportunities to partner on priorities like workforce development and education. Google is committed to paying 100% of its local real estate property taxes, which would directly support the City of Salix and Woodbury County.
Responsible Development: Tailored to Salix
At Google, we focus on Responsible Development.
Our projects are not "cookie-cutter" facilities; we evaluate each site individually to optimize for business needs and the environment that is driven by rigorous local due diligence. 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, including emergency response support. Google will also work closely with local and county jurisdictions to ensure proper stormwater management that includes no adverse impact on the surrounding communities.
Getting the Facts Right
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.