(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman today announced that the
cities of Aurora, Kearney and South Sioux City have been selected to
participate in a new initiative designed to develop new industrial power park
sites ready for development in Nebraska.
Officials in each community will work with the Nebraska Department
of Economic Development (DED) to develop shovel-ready sites that can be
marketed as potential locations for data centers, high tech industries and
companies with significant power needs.
“These projects open up new possibilities to recruit the kind
of investment initially sparked by Yahoo!’s decision to expand in Nebraska and
bring high paying jobs to our state,” Gov. Heineman said. “These are jobs that
will help retain high quality workforce and attract new workers. Nebraska is
competitive in this arena. Working with partners at the local level to develop
these shovel-ready sites, we hope to provide Nebraska an even greater edge as
other companies look for places to expand.”
DED is providing Community Development Block Grant funding
to help each community build key infrastructure for high tech companies looking
for shovel-ready sites. Communities may receive up to $50,000 for planning as
part of a three-phase process for developing potential power park sites in
Nebraska. Phases two and three require each community 1-to-1 matching funds to
fully develop its site and related infrastructure.
Tim O’Brien, DED Business Development Manager, said, “Timing
and infrastructure are critical in securing these projects. Sites need to be
ready to go the minute we get the expansion commitment from industry leaders.
Despite slowdowns in other industries, we get inquiries from companies and
consultants every couple weeks. Many of these companies are laying the
groundwork for when the capital market becomes stronger. Our work now ensures
Nebraska will be well prepared to respond to these opportunities.”
Potential data center projects suitable for sites are major
users of electricity, ranging from 100 to 200 watts of power per square ft. or
more. A small facility of 10,000 square ft. will typically use more power than
the demand of many small communities.
Nebraska is attractive to high-end power users due to power
rates that are among some of the lowest in the nation, which helps companies
maintain lower operating costs. Nebraska also offers a safe and secure location
and a skilled labor force suitable for companies operating data centers and
manufacturing advanced or renewable energy products.
In selecting communities for the power park initiative, DED reviewed
applications from 13 communities. Officials visited potential sites in February
and eight communities were selected as finalists. Two national consulting firms
reviewed communities and proposed sites to determine the ability to provide
critical infrastructure. Consultants chose the final three sites based on the
availability of power, fiber optic connections and large acreages, as well as
readily available and abundant water and sewer services.
Officials in Aurora, Kearney and South Sioux City will now
finalize plans for developing and operating local power parks before the final
stage of installing infrastructure and other upgrades to create a shovel-ready
site. Each community has pledged significant local investments for these
projects, which should be completed in the second quarter of 2010.
Officials with the city of Fremont assisted DED in
developing the new power park program. Fremont is finalizing a shovel-ready
site as a potential location for a data center project.
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CONTACT: Patty Wood, DED, 402-471-1559
