Bill would help attract businesses, including proposed Google data center

This week, Senator Andrew Mathews (R-Milaca) introduced legislation to invest $20.1 million in state funding for infrastructure improvements to the Becker business park. The improvements are necessary to attract new businesses to the area, potentially including the proposed $600 million Google data center. If Becker is selected as the site for this center, this would be one of the largest private economic development projects in Minnesota in years, as the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) estimates the initial construction would bring nearly 2,000 jobs to Sherburne County and 1,300 additional jobs statewide. After completion, approximately 50 full-time tech jobs would be created.

“With the retirement of two units at the Sherco power plant on the horizon, this development would bring much needed jobs and economic stability to our community,” said Senator Mathews, who serves as Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy. “While discussions continue, I am fully committed to supporting this project and making necessary infrastructure improvements to attract multiple businesses that want to make Sherburne County and our region home.”

Becker is in competition with other locations around the country, and the infrastructure improvements are essential to completing not only this project, but also attracting other businesses to the park.  Xcel Energy has requested a decision on the proposal by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) by June 30.

“Minnesota needs to be open for business, and through this legislation, we can accomplish that goal,” added Senator Mathews. “I look forward to working with our local government officials and private industry to make this project a reality.”