Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2009/06/04/apple_1bn_north_carolina_data_center/

Apple confirms $1bn data center

Reverse manifest destiny

By Austin Modine

Posted in Channel, 4th June 2009 00:30 GMT

Apple will build its first data center on America's east coast now that North Carolina agreed to massive tax breaks designed to lure the company.

The same day NC governor Beverly Perdue signed a lucrative corporate incentives deal into law, Apple confirmed it is browsing locations within the state for a new $1bn data center.

"We welcome Apple to North Carolina and look forward to working with the company as it begins providing a significant economic boost to local communities and the state," Perdue said in a statement.

The incentive law requires that Apple set up shop in one of North Carolina's poorest counties. An Apple spokesman told the Charlotte Observer, it expects construction to begin right away once it acquires land in a suitably destitute area.

The legislation also calls for a company to provide workers with health insurance, pay certain wages, and invest $1bn within nine years.

In return, Apple gets tax breaks worth about $46m over the next decade. Opponents of North Carolina's new tax incentive law say the legislation authorizes a separate tax formula favoring one specific corporation over existing firms within the state.

Apple's East-coast foray will employ at least 50 people full-time according to the company, although Perdue's office said it could generate 250 jobs providing services like repair, building, landscaping and security.

"During these tough economic times, it's important to make the investments that create jobs in areas that need the most," stated Perdue. ®