Apple to build $1.3 billion data center in Iowa

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Apple's Iowa data center
An aerial view shows what Apple's Iowa data center will look like.
Image: Apple

The next great Apple data center powered by renewable energy is coming soon to Iowa.

Apple revealed today that it plans to invest $1.3 billion into a new data center in Waukee, Iowa, that will help create more than 550 construction and operations jobs in the city near Des Moines. Along with splurging on the data center, the company will also create a $100 million Public Improvement Fund to boost infrastructure in the Des Moines area.

“At Apple, we’re always looking at ways to deliver even better experiences for our customers. Our new data center in Iowa will help serve millions of people across North America who use Siri, iMessage, Apple Music and other Apple services — all powered by renewable energy,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, in a press release. “Apple is responsible for 2 million jobs in all 50 states and we’re proud today’s investment will add to the more than 10,000 jobs we already support across Iowa, providing even more economic opportunity for the community.”

Apple published details about the planned Iowa data center today on its news blog. The 400,000-square-foot center will be used to support iMessage, Siri, the App Store and other Apple services in North America.

Apple isn’t the only tech heavyweight setting up shop in Iowa. In recent years, Google, Facebook and Microsoft invested billions in new data centers in the state, according to The Des Moines Register.

“It’s a really positive thing for Iowa that these companies are putting their prized possessions in the hands of Iowa,” Brian Waller, president of the Technology Association of Iowa, told the paper. “I just think to have a fourth titan of the tech industry, and one you visibly hold in your hand or the majority of people hold in their hands, it’s just a great thing.”

Money from Apple’s Public Improvement Fund is already being put to good use. The first project being supported via Apple is the Waukee Youth Sports Campus. It will feature a playground, greenhouse, fields for high school sporting events and a fishing pier.

The data center is expected to be completed by 2020 with construction starting early next year.

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