Apple plans to build $1.3b data centre in US

APPLE will build a $1.375 billion data centre in Waukee, Iowa, Apple and state officials said, with $207.8 million in incentives approved by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Waukee city council. Apple will purchase 2,000 acres (8.09 square km) of land in Waukee, about 20 miles (32 km) west of Des Moines, to build two data centres. The company will receive a $19.65 million investment tax credit for creating 50 jobs. Apple said the project will generate more than 550 jobs in construction and operations, but did not specify how many of those jobs would be long-term positions. Speaking alongside Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook said the facility “will create hundreds of jobs for people in Iowa from construction to engineering.” Cook said Apple will contribute up to $100 million toward a “public improvement fund” for the city of Waukee, adding the first project supported by the fund will be a youth sports complex that “will be open to all.” The bulk of the subsidy is a planned $188.2 million property tax abatement of 71 per cent over 20 years provided by the city of Waukee, according to economic development officials. State subsidies to technology employers have become a key issue in Midwestern states such as Wisconsin, where Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, is seeking $3 billion in subsidies for a $10 billion LCD panel plant. The incentive package passed Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled state Assembly last week by a 59-30 margin. Foxconn is a major Apple supplier, but is not expected to make any Apple products at its proposed US plant.