Big names await incentives from state

Unidentified companies described as "household names" are awaiting a tax incentive package before deciding whether to build data centers in North Carolina.

Keith Crisco, secretary of commerce, told members of the state House Tuesday that the projects, and others covered by an incentives bill, are worth a $2 billion investment and 1,200 jobs. The incentives would provide data centers an exemption on the sales tax for machinery and electricity, costing the state $8.2 million this year and $10.7 million next year.

The incentives would be rolled into a larger package that includes expanded credits for film productions and for companies that create digital simulations that can be used for military and medical purposes.

Economic development officials are secretive about the identities of the companies they court.

Published reports have indicated that Microsoft is considering investing at least $120 million to build a data center in Alamance County. The software giant would join other companies setting up data centers in North Carolina, attracted by the state's cheap electricity and land. Others include Apple, Google, IBM, SAS and American Express. Fidelity Investments is reportedly interested in opening one in Garner.

Alamance County commissioners are aware of a proposed data center under the code name "Project Deacon," chairwoman Linda Massey said Tuesday. But she said she did not know further details.