Yahoo Eyes Washington State for Data Center

Search giant Yahoo is contemplating a data center in Grant County, Washington, according to the Columbia Basin Herald. Yahoo is seeking a long-term commitment to use the Zipp Network, a fiber optic network maintained by the Grant County Public Utility District. Another attraction is the cost of electricity, with power averaging less than 2 cents per kilowatt hour, according to local officials.

PUD General Manager Tim Culbertson said “one of Yahoo’s founders” visited the area last week to inspect sites (which would presumabkly mean either Jerry Yang or David Filo). No specific sites were mentioned, but Grant County includes Moses Lake, where several data center ventures have sought to develop portions of an old Air Force base used to build Titan rockets.

“I don’t think it’s a secret they are thinking about coming here,” said CUlnertson, who added that Yahoo’s plans would include about 40 local employees. “I think they’re a long ways down the road on this.”