Columbia County nears $40M annual deal with Google for data center

Columbia County, Georgia, is close to finalizing one of the most consequential economic deals in its history. A landmark agreement with Google would bring roughly $40 million per year into county coffers for seven years, funded by a $17 billion data center investment that would place Google among the largest single taxpayers in the state. The Economic Development Authority approved a memorandum of understanding in August 2026, setting the legal framework for the arrangement. Final details are still being worked through, but the broad strokes are clear: Google builds, Columbia County collects, and local homeowners stand to see meaningful relief on their property tax bills. What the deal actually looks like Google, operating through one of its subsidiaries, would serve as the sole operator of multiple data center complexes across the county. Two major sites are already identified, one at White Oak and another proposed near Pumpkin Center. The project could ultimately span up to 33 separate buildings across those locations. Under the terms of the agreement, Columbia County would receive $40 million annually for seven years. Of that, approximately $5 million per year flows directly to ...