Northern Kentucky county inks deal with Meta for data center on 2,000 acres
Mason County approved a development agreement with Meta for a mult phase hyperscale data center project involving an initial investment of $10 billion and more than 2,000 acres. The project would fund major water, road and power infrastructure improvements and generate substantial revenue and jobs, but opponents have filed lawsuits challenging the county’s handling of the process.
Mason County Fiscal Court approved a development agreement with Meta for a planned hyperscale data center campus in Mason County, with the first phase expected to include a 396-megawatt facility. Meta’s initial investment is projected at $10 billion, while the full five-phase development could represent up to $800 billion over 40 years. The project would create at least 100 permanent jobs initially and require thousands of construction workers during buildout.
Meta has committed at least $115 million for local infrastructure, including a regional water treatment plant, improvements to Maysville’s water system, pipelines and storage facilities. The company would also pay for power-grid upgrades, including new lines and substations, and make payments in lieu of property taxes benefiting Mason County government and schools. The project remains contingent on incentives approved by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority. Community group We Are Mason County opposes the development, and lawsuits have been filed challenging the county’s process. The county previously rezoned the site from agricultural to rural industrial use.