QTS data center deal brings $28.75M commitment to Blakely
City and county leaders in Blakely, Alabama, have finalized a multi-million dollar economic development deal with QTS for a new data center. The agreement includes a $28.75 million betterment fund for local infrastructure, school, and workforce training projects. While celebrated by local officials, some residents have raised concerns about potential water usage and utility costs.
Blakely, Alabama, and Early County leaders have finalized a multi-million dollar economic development agreement with QTS, a prominent data center company. The deal, signed on Thursday, includes a "betterment fund" totaling at least $28.75 million.
According to QTS Co-CEO Greason, the company will begin making payments before construction commences, with the first $7.5 million scheduled for December. The fund is earmarked for significant local improvements, including $1 million for a new Washington High School, $5 million for wastewater upgrades, and over $12 million for workforce training, which Early County School Superintendent Dr. Mary Felton highlighted as crucial for a potential technical school.
However, not all residents are in favor. Concerns have been voiced by those living near the proposed site regarding increased water usage and potential utility costs. Mayor Travis Wimbush assured the public that these issues are being addressed, stating that QTS will fund the necessary infrastructure upgrades to handle the increased load and potentially lower utility bills.
Early County Commission Chairman Hank Jester, who has championed the deal for two years, underscored the long-term economic impact. He noted that the data center campus, expected to begin construction in mid-2027, could generate $60 million to $85 million annually for Early County at full build-out, creating diverse job opportunities for local graduates.