In a move set to revolutionize the economic and technological landscape of Arkansas, Google is reportedly backing a $10 billion data center campus in West Memphis. Though the tech giant hasn’t formally confirmed its involvement, the project, being spearheaded by Groot LLC, widely believed to be a Google affiliate, has all the hallmarks of the company’s previous hyperscale data infrastructure efforts.

Local and industry sources, including the Memphis Business Journal, Global Construction Review, and We Are Memphis, have confirmed that this will be the largest private investment in Arkansas history, tripling the previous record held by U.S. Steel’s $3 billion facility.

Massive Scope, Strategic Intent

Set across a sprawling 1,200-acre site, with 580 acres dedicated to core development, the project will house five hyperscale data centers, along with office buildings, internal roads, stormwater systems, and a massive 500/230 kV utility substation. Turner Construction and Yates Construction, known for their work with Amazon and other hyperscalers, will lead the building effort.

Construction alone is projected to generate approximately 300 jobs, with more permanent roles expected once the facility becomes operational.

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Powering AI Ambitions

This development ties into Google’s broader plan to invest $75 billion in AI infrastructure globally in 2025. The West Memphis campus is expected to play a crucial role in expanding the company’s data processing capacity for artificial intelligence services, including machine learning, cloud computing, and advanced analytics.

A new $142 million power substation, to be built by Entergy Arkansas, will support the energy demands of the facility. Additionally, the center is expected to use high-efficiency, water-based cooling systems, tapping into the natural aquifers of the Mississippi River valley. Google intends to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, aligning this project with its global climate goals.

Policy Support and Tax Benefits

City officials have already approved several critical components of the project, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) agreement with Groot LLC. The tax deal could potentially provide up to $50 billion in abatements, showcasing the state’s strong support for this transformative initiative.

Economic and Regional Impact

The ripple effects of this project are expected to be profound. Beyond direct employment and construction contracts, the data center will:

• Boost supply chain growth across the state
• Encourage clean energy investments
• Create opportunities for skills development and training
• Anchor West Memphis as a rising AI and tech hub, joining other major infrastructure projects already underway in the $30 billion range

With this development, Arkansas is positioning itself not just as a participant in the digital economy but as a core player in the future of AI innovation.

Also Read: UN: AI Fuelled 150% Rise in Tech Giants’ Data Centre Emissions

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Source: We Are Memphis