Google has officially announced a monumental investment of $2 billion to construct a new data center campus in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Dubbed “Project Zodiac,” this ambitious project will feature a 12-building campus spanning over 892 acres, solidifying Fort Wayne’s place on the technological map.
Indiana, traditionally not known for housing major technological companies, has recently made a strategic move by leveraging tax incentives to attract leading industry players. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC) has provided Google with a 35-year data center sales tax exemption for the first $800 million invested, with potential extensions for up to 50 years, showcasing the state’s growing influence in the tech industry.
The long-range plans for the site include constructing 12 buildings, occupying an area comparable to about 765 football fields. This expansive campus will add to Google’s existing network of 24 data centers worldwide, 14 of which are in North America. These centers will help power Google’s digital services like Google Cloud, Workspace, Search and Maps, and its AI innovations, serving businesses and customers worldwide.
The site is strategically positioned a mile north of the I-469 exit for Marion Center Road, making it accessible from major urban centers such as Indianapolis, Chicago, and Columbus. Moreover, the new data center is expected to create up to 200 jobs, including positions for data center technicians and support staff. This significant job creation will boost the local economy and provide valuable opportunities for the community.
Google also plans to introduce its Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program in the area. This program will offer paid training and networking opportunities to help participants secure jobs in data center construction.
To meet its sustainability goals and power the data center, Google has partnered with Indiana Michigan Power Company (I&M) to help build a local power source using clean energy. Details of the partnership with I&M were limited, but the companies intend to increase clean energy contributions to the local electricity grid.
Steve Baker, president and COO of Indiana Michigan Power, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with Google to provide future energy needs and help support their corporate sustainability goals.”
This collaboration is part of Google’s broader initiative to run all its data centers and campuses solely on carbon-free energy by 2030.
Local and state officials have expressed their excitement about the project. Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker highlighted that this investment is not just about infrastructure but about building a stronger future together. Governor Eric J. Holcomb emphasized Indiana’s strategic priority to cultivate the economy of the future, with Google’s investment playing a crucial role in this vision.
