In October 2024, Microsoft purchased 1,350 acres of land in Person County and plans to begin the permitting process for datacenter development later this year. Datacenter projects are highly complex and typically span several years, requiring careful planning, design, and close collaboration with the county, local partners, and the community.

Board of Commissioners Chairman Kyle Puryear stated, “Person County is proud to welcome Microsoft as a valued corporate and community partner. We are excited to learn more about their plans for datacenter development in our county and are confident that their presence will drive economic growth and enhance community well-being through strategic investment, job creation, and responsible stewardship of resources.”

Microsoft is still in the early stages of development and will share detailed plans with the community as they become available. However, the company has outlined several commitments for any future datacenter project. Microsoft will pay its own way to ensure its development does not increase electricity prices, minimize water use while replenishing more than consumed, create jobs for local residents, contribute to the county’s tax base, and support the community through investments in local information technology training and nonprofits.

Economic Development Chairman Scott McKinney added, "Person County and others interested in the prosperity of Personians labored and invested significant financial resources for over a decade to develop the megasite with the hope of attracting a special corporate partner. We are eager to support Microsoft's strategic long-term investment in Person County."  

For datacenter-focused media inquiries, please reach out to our Datacenter team at GlobalDCPR@microsoft.com.