Microsoft to Build Data Center In Laramie County

Governor Matt Mead announced Monday that Microsoft will build a data center near Cheyenne. The $112 million data center will bring high-paying, technology jobs to the state.

The governor says he believes "Wyoming is positioned to be a leader in the technology sector and data centers will be a catalyst for growth." The Governor adds that Wyoming is a perfect  fit for data centers, with abundant, affordable energy,  naturally cool climate and redundant fiber optics.

The state has approved $10 million in grants to subsidize the data center’s electricity and broadband Internet, as well as pay for infrastructure improvements, such as clearing the land and building roads to the data center.

This data center will serve the Mountain West region for Microsoft. The company will build the data center in phases and will eventually employ approximately 40 people. Randy Bruns, President of Cheyenne Leads, says the first phase will result in the creation of about 17 new jobs with median wages that are 150% above the county’s average wage and Microsoft officials say they expect to have the facility operational in the spring of 2013.