State legislatures around the nation continue to weigh economic incentive packages designed to attract data centers. Here's a roundup:
Nebraska - A last-minute attempt to lower the threshold to get economic development incentives in a bill designed to lure an unnamed data center to Nebraska failed in the Legislature. Bellevue Sen. Abbie Cornett attempted to amend her bill, LB1118, on the floor today but backed off after pointed questioning from Omaha Sen. Burke Harr. Cornett’s bill would extend economic development incentives to large data centers – or server farms that companies use to store computers and components. From the Missouri News Horizon.
Oregon - A bill expected to give companies like Facebook more certainty they wouldn’t face higher property taxes in enterprise zones advanced through the Senate last week. The 30-member Senate passed Senate Bill 1532 unanimously and it now heads to the House of Representatives. Under the bill, companies that own or lease data centers in enterprise zones would not have their value assessed by the state during the duration of their enterprise zone agreement. From the Statesman-Journal.
Alabama - Alabama lawmakers, economic developers and business leaders are hoping a bill meant to lure data centers will create jobs and boost capital investment throughout the state. The bill would extend tax breaks for companies building data centers that employ at least 20 people earning an average pay of $40,000, and supporters say it will level the playing field as Alabama competes with other states for the projects. From the Birmingham News.
