Apple is planning to build its next Data Center in Waukee, Iowa. The company will invest at least $1.375 billion in the first phase of the 400,000 square foot Iowa data center project. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, on Thursday announced that the company will build a better future for everyone. About $207.8 million has already been approved by the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

What's with the new data center?

The company will build two data center facilities on the 400,000 square foot land, which will run with 100 percent pure renewable energy. The data centers will also include different logistics and operational buildings.

According to a report from KCCI, Tim Cook also promised to invest $100 million in a newly created public improvement fund to be used for community development.

The public improvement will include the revitalization of libraries, streets, and parks. The first community development project is a youth sports campus that can host community and high school games or events. The project will also include a greenhouse, playground and a fishing pier.

Apple is a huge blessing for Waukee. It is a town about 18 miles west of Des Moines, which is working to keep up with its rising population. Over the past seven years, the Waukee community has swelled from about 13,700 residents to 19,200. Waukee’s director of economic development, Dan Dutcher, said that money from Apple is going to be important especially for upgrading roads and building public amenities such as parks.

According to Bloomberg, the city of Waukee is expected to make $2 million each year from property taxes. State incentives require matches from local governments. For its part, the Waukee City Council approved 71 percent property tax abatement over 20 years for Apple.

Why the company chose Iowa

Iowa is well-known for its relatively cheap energy and a large growing portfolio of power derived from wind energy.

The state of Iowa also has plenty of available crop land, access to high-speed fiber optics and a low risk for natural disasters. Other giant tech companies also invested billions in new Iowa data centers because of the great location.

Apple transformed personal technology with its introduction of the Macintosh way back in 1984.

As of today, the company leads the world in innovation with its devices such as iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and iPhone. The company has more than 100,000 employees that are dedicated to making the best devices on earth.
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