Googled!

Google's decision to establish a $600 million data center in the Lowcountry is just one more example of Charleston's growing reputation as a great place to do business! –

Google project summary excerpted from the Charleston Regional Business Journal
Investment: At least $600 million for a data center, which is essentially a huge server farm to process Google search requests. The investment includes land, site preparation and infrastructure, construction, computers and other equipment. Google has indicated expansion of the facility and its purposes is possible, but has made no definite plans or commitments in that regard at this time.

Projected impact: In addition to the creation of at least 200 jobs, Google has committed to paying an annual fee-in-lieu-of-taxes of approximately $1.96 million to Berkeley County. In addition, the company said it will pay about $58.8 million over the 30 years of the agreement. In addition, the company expects to pay about $7 million for the purchase of building materials and an unspecified amount for the purchases of supplies, payroll taxes, etc.

Timeline
Late 2005: Google representatives traveled to seven East Coast states, including South Carolina, to determine which would provide the best operating environments for Google facilities. Among the factors they considered: each state’s tax, regulatory and operating environment, statutes and infrastructure.
Early 2006: After narrowing their search, Google officials began discussing specific project possibilities with officials in South Carolina.
Spring/Summer 2006: Google performed due diligence on a site at the Mount Holly Commerce Park in Berkeley County.
Fall 2006: Google officials and government officials in South Carolina concluded their discussions. At that point, Google began preparing the site for its new data center.
Winter 2006: Final agreements between Google, government officials and the property’s former owner, Alcoa Mt. Holly, were signed. Construction of the first of the two buildings that are currently planned for the site began.

For the full story – http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/current/13_8/news/9139-1.html