Meta makes media push to promote positives of the data center being built in Middleton Township
Meta launched a media campaign to highlight the benefits of its data center in Middleton Township, near Bowling Green, Ohio. However, the promotional materials initially inaccurately stated that $28 million in infrastructure investments were directly benefiting Bowling Green city, leading to confusion among residents and city officials. Meta has since updated its public relations page to clarify that the investments are for Wood County and the surrounding region, while acknowledging indirect benefits to Bowling Green.
Bowling Green, Ohio, officials expressed surprise and concern this week following the release of promotional materials from Meta that inaccurately claimed $28 million in road, community, and water infrastructure investments were directly benefiting the city. The $800 million Meta data center is under construction in Middleton Township, approximately five miles north of Bowling Green, though it shares a Bowling Green address.
Mayor Mike Aspacher and Public Works Director Mike Murray highlighted that none of the data center's acreage is within city limits and the city has not received direct funds from Meta for road or water infrastructure. This led to public misconceptions that Bowling Green would be flush with new revenue, making utility rate or tax increases unnecessary. A Meta representative, responding to inquiries from BG Independent News, stated the company updated its public relations landing page to correct the claims, now indicating that Wood County is the direct beneficiary of the investments.
The Meta spokesperson clarified that while Bowling Green is not a direct recipient, its residents will benefit indirectly, citing examples like a roundabout on Ohio 582 and an $8 million elevated water storage tank at the Northwestern Water and Sewer District in Middleton Township. This tank is part of a system that supplies water from Bowling Green's treatment plant to the Meta data center, although the city will not see direct investment in its own water treatment and distribution systems. Meta also noted $411,000 in grants, with some recipients in Bowling Green, and sponsorships of local events, emphasizing its long-term partnership with the broader Northwest Ohio area.