Barrow trying to lure data center

The Joint Development Authority of Winder-Barrow County agreed last week to a couple of incentives to attract a new $20 million data center to Barrow County.

Barrow County is competing with a Florida jurisdiction for the “Barrow Lee” development.

If the data center is built here, the JDA agreed that it would issue $10 million in industrial revenue bonds for the company’s purchase of equipment. The panel also agreed to spread out over two years the $25,000 in issuance fees due to the JDA.

There was no mention during the meeting of the seven-year tax abatement often provided to new commercial developments in Barrow County. However, JDA chairman David Smith said after the meeting that any tax abatement would be granted after Barrow County is selected as the site for the facility.

For the full story, see the April 20 issue of the Barrow Journal.