Google finalizes agreement with MidAmerican Energy for possible data center in Salix
Google has finalized an agreement with MidAmerican Energy to explore a potential data center development project in Salix, Iowa. The company plans a public engagement process and will attend an upcoming city council meeting, stating it will not seek property tax abatements. Google emphasized its focus on environmental standards, power, and water stewardship for the project.
Google has announced a finalized agreement with MidAmerican Energy to explore the development of a potential data center in Salix, Iowa. The technology giant, through its Regional Head of Data Center Public Affairs, Trent Fellers, stated that the project aims to meet the increasing demand for Google products and services. Google is committed to engaging in a transparent public process, including presenting a proposal and addressing community concerns, starting with the Salix City Council meeting on August 12, 2026.
Fellers emphasized that Google will not pursue local property tax abatements or rebates for the project, ensuring that tax revenue will directly benefit the City of Salix, Woodbury County, and local school districts. Google's development standards prioritize environmental impact, stable power solutions, sound and visual mitigation, and water stewardship, aligning with its commitment to community benefit.
This announcement follows ongoing discussions about a data center in Salix since April, which included the city council's annexation of approximately 900 acres of land. MidAmerican Energy had previously confirmed its involvement in a potential data center development in June, setting the stage for Google's current exploratory phase.