City Approves Google rebuild of original 2006 data center in Port of The Dalles

Google has secured approval from the City of The Dalles, Oregon, to embark on a significant modernization project at its initial data center campus, which originally opened in 2006. The plan involves demolishing the original structures and constructing a new 77,000-square-foot facility and supporting infrastructure at 4200 Columbia Road within the Port of The Dalles. The administrative site plan review was approved on Monday, permitting The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company to commence construction.

This rebuild follows months of demolition to remove aging electrical and mechanical equipment. Unlike Google's newer data centers in the area, this refurbished Columbia Road facility is anticipated to return to the standard Wasco County property tax rolls post-construction. Interim Wasco County Commissioner Rodger Nichols expressed optimism about the project's benefit to local taxpayers, noting it would not require new ground disturbance or notifications to neighbors.

The original facility operated for 15 years under Oregon's Strategic Investment Program, which provided property tax reductions in exchange for negotiated payments. After this agreement expired, the facility generated substantial property taxes before its assessed value dipped due to redevelopment preparations. The new facility is expected to bring a higher taxable valuation upon completion, further benefiting local taxing districts including schools, fire services, and the Port.

Google spokesman Chris Mussett previously stated that this work is part of a "long-term modernization effort" to update the campus and support Google products and Cloud services. The city's approval includes standard conditions for engineering review, utility verification, and site improvements before building permits are issued. The administrative decision is open to appeal until August 17.