Columbia County, Georgia is close to finalizing a major deal with Google for $40 million annually over seven years, totaling $280 million, in exchange for a $17 billion data center investment. The county currently collects approximately $25 million annually from property owners, and these funds would offset their tax burden. The agreement includes environmental protections such as a 65-decibel noise ceiling and a 500-foot buffer zone between facilities and residential areas. A voter referendum is required to formally authorize the tax relief mechanism. First payments are expected by late 2026 or early 2027, with Google covering all energy and infrastructure costs through coordination with Georgia Power.
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