News Summary
The Cherokee County Council has approved a monumental tax incentive for Cielo Digital Infrastructure, enabling a $2.1 billion investment in a data center. This historic project includes four expansive buildings and is expected to generate around 30 jobs within the local community. Cielo’s commitment to this investment showcases the growing demand for digital infrastructure and aims to enhance Cherokee County’s economic landscape significantly.
Cherokee County, South Carolina
On June 23, 2025, the Cherokee County Council approved a significant tax incentive for Cielo Digital Infrastructure, paving the way for a landmark investment in the region. The Florida-based company will invest $2.1 billion to build a massive data center located on Highway 329, near the Broad River. This investment marks the largest in Cherokee County’s history, which is home to a population of less than 60,000.
The proposed data center will encompass four buildings, each measuring 400,000 square feet, along with an electrical substation to support the facility’s operations. The project is expected to generate approximately 30 jobs in the local area. Hiring for these positions may begin within two years, with the center anticipated to commence operations by the end of 2028.
Tax Incentives and Economic Impact
The tax breaks that Cielo received were part of broader efforts by the Cherokee County government to create an environment conducive to economic growth. According to reports, discussions between Cielo and county officials have been ongoing for nearly two years, indicating a strong commitment on both sides to secure this investment. Ken Moon, the Executive Director of the Cherokee County Development Board, underscored the significance of this project as a catalyst for local economic development.
By attracting this significant investment, Cherokee County expects to enhance its economic landscape, potentially leading to additional job opportunities and increased local spending. The jobs created will require skills and training in information technology, aligning with the national emphasis on technological advancement and digital infrastructure.
Background on Cielo Digital Infrastructure
Cielo Digital Infrastructure, previously referred to as Project Kingfisher, operates a network of data centers across several states including Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, Illinois, and Iowa. The company’s expansion into Cherokee County reflects the growing demand for data processing capabilities, largely driven by the rise of artificial intelligence and the digital economy.
The data center project follows closely on the heels of another large-scale development in nearby Spartanburg County, where the Council recently approved a $2.76 billion investment in a high-performance computing center. These projects indicate a regional trend towards bolstering IT infrastructure and economic diversification.
Conclusion
As Cielo Digital Infrastructure moves forward with its plans for this substantial investment, the implications for Cherokee County could be far-reaching. The construction of the data center is seen as a pivotal step toward enhancing the county’s attractiveness to tech-driven businesses and fostering a skilled workforce. Overall, the project signals a growing recognition of the importance of digital infrastructure in local and national economic strategies.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Cherokee County Inks $2.1B Deal with Data Center Developer
- Wikipedia: Cherokee County, South Carolina
- Cielo $2B Data Center in Cherokee County
- Google Search: Cherokee County data center
- Company Plans $2.1 Billion Data Center in Cherokee County
- Google Scholar: Cherokee County data infrastructure
- Cielo Digital Infrastructure Selects Cherokee County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Data Center
- Upstate Data Center in Cherokee County
- Google News: Cielo Digital Infrastructure
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
