A Dallas-based data center developer will locate its next campus in Meridian, a $10 billion investment in the area, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Thursday. The company, Compass Datacenters, will build eight data centers in the Meridian area over eight years, Reeves said. The governor said the data centers would support local businesses and jobs in a fast-growing industry that Mississippi has tried to attract. “Through our pro-business policies and favorable business environment, we continue to establish our state as an ideal location for high-tech developments by providing the resources needed for innovation and growth,” Reeves said. Sen. Jeff Tate The Mississippi Development Authority will certify the company as a data center operator, allowing the company to benefit from several tax exemptions. Compass Datacenters will receive a 10-year state income and franchise tax exemption and a sales and use tax exemption on construction materials and other equipment. In 2024, Amazon Web Services’ committed to spend $10 billion to construct two data centers in Madison County. Lawmakers agreed to put up $44 million in taxpayer dollars for the project, make a loan of $215 million, and provide numerous tax breaks. READ MORE: Amazon coming to Mississippi with plans to create jobs … and electricity Mississippi Power will supply approximately 500 megawatts of power to the Meridian facility, Reeves said. Data centers house computer servers that power numerous digital services, including online shopping, entertainment streaming and file storage. Republican Sen. Jeff Tate, who represents Lauderdale County, said the investment was a long time coming for the east Mississippi city of Meridian. “For far too long, Meridian has been the bride’s maid when it came to economic development,” Tate said. “I’m proud that our political, business, and community leaders were able to work together to help welcome this incredible investment.” The post Data center company plans to invest $10 billion in Meridian appeared first on Mississippi Today.