Facebook to Build $750 million Data Center in Huntsville
State and city leaders announced Facebook’s plans to build a $750 million data center in Huntsville. Gov. Kay Ivey discussed the project during a news conference Thursday in Huntsville. Ivey’s office said the center will employ 100 people with an average annual salary of nearly $80,000.
Ivey said she was pleased that a “forward-thinking, major company like Facebook” was putting down roots in the state.
Facebook created a page about the project. The social media giant said the 970,000-square-foot data center will begin operations in 2020.
Matt VanderZanden, director of site selection at Facebook, said the Huntsville site was attractive because of a strong talent pool and availability of clean and renewable energy.
The company projected the data center will have a strong economic impact on the area. “We are proud to say a recent study found that for every 1 million dollars in operating expenses at our data centers, there are 13 jobs supported in the economy,” a company statement said. “And for every 1 million dollars in capital expenditures, there are more than 14 jobs supported in the economy.”
The project has been under development for the last year under the codename “Starbelt.” The Huntsville City Council last month unanimously approved Facebook’s purchase of the site for $8.5 million.
Crew of fatal US military crash included Alabama father recently deployed
The six U.S. service members who died in the crash of a U.S. military refueling aircraft included an Alabama father who had just been promoted and deployed. The U.S. government released the identities of the deceased service members Saturday.
Alabama poised to drastically overhaul utility regulation. Will it lower electric bills?
The Alabama Senate unanimously voted to expand the public service commission, and create a Secretary of Energy to address rising electricity prices. A bill in the House would go even further, requiring rate case hearings and limiting utility profits.
Musher from Alabama is going for back-to-back Iditarod wins
Riches and paid appearances haven’t followed Jessie Holmes since he won the world’s most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, last year. He doesn't mind.
Bill would move Alabama to closed primaries
Right now, any Alabama voter can participate in a primary election. Lawmakers in Montgomery took up a bill this week that would change that system.
Auburn football player uses NIL funds to open a community hub in Birmingham
Jourdin Crawford, a freshman defensive lineman at Auburn, used earnings from a Name, Image, and Likeness deal to give back to his hometown.
Ivey commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shot
Charles “Sonny” Burton was sentenced to death for the killing of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery. However, another man shot Battle when Burton had left the building.
