Google offers to pay for independent advisors for proposed Salix data center
Google is offering up to $150,000 to fund independent advisors who would review a proposed data center near Salix, Iowa. The Salix City Council took no action at a special meeting but could vote on the memorandum of understanding at its Oct. 14 meeting.
Google has proposed paying up to $150,000 over three months for independent third-party advisors to review the potential development of a data center near Salix. The advisors would assess and summarize development considerations for the city as part of an exploratory review process outlined in a five-page memorandum of understanding.
Salix City Council members questioned whether the funding and three-month timeline would be sufficient and sought assurances that the city would not have to repay Google. About 30 people attended the special meeting, along with two Google representatives. The council could vote on the memorandum at its next meeting, and members may tour Google's existing campus in Council Bluffs or its developing campus in Cedar Rapids, potentially with community members.