Facebook Plans Major Data Center Complex in Fort Worth, Texas
Facebook will build up to three 250,000-square-foot data centers on the northeast corner of Park Vista Blvd. and State Highway 170 in the Alliance Texas development in north Fort Worth, Texas.
Grading of the 110-acre property is already underway; construction of the first phase is expected to be completed in June 2016. The $750 million project, with the potential to surpass $1 billion in capital investment upon completion of the second phase, will generate up to 100 jobs between full-time employees, contractors and vendors.
The new buildings are expected to be the world’s most environmentally friendly data centers based on energy usage, the use of continuously recycled water and other green building attributes and credits required for LEED certification.
“The future economic growth opportunities related to data centers and data warehouses are staggering,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. “There are so many factors that drive business location decisions for data center companies – availability of land, an ample talent pool to recruit and retain workers, high quality of life and premium location – and Fort Worth offers all of these and more. As a result, we are in an enviable position to attract global leaders like Facebook, and we are excited to welcome them to our community.”
Fort Worth initially received a lead on the data center project from former Governor Rick Perry’s office in mid-2014. According to officials, Facebook researched more than 200 communities in seeking a location for its newest and largest data center. Extensive negotiations, including an incentive package approved by the Fort Worth City Council and Tarrant County in May 2015, continued for nearly one year.
“Collaboration among state, county and local leaders is a prerequisite for successfully courting a worldwide leader like Facebook to our region,” said Tarrant County Judge B. Glen Whitley. “The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, partners like Workforce Solutions, the Northwest ISD, the economic development departments at the City of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, and dozens of elected officials and their staff contributed to this collective win.”
“Our state’s tax structure and policy, including legislative action in 2013 that eliminated undue charges on data centers related to equipment sales tax, are key attractors for companies like Facebook,” said David Berzina, executive vice president of economic development for the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. “You combine Texas’ ‘open for business’ environment with Fort Worth’s unparalleled airport connectivity, a reliable electric grid with dual electric service to the site, and our established infrastructure, and we have competitive advantages that are second to none.”