LANSING (WKZO-AM) — The legislature has met the deadline for tax breaks. Now it’s time for a data processor to commit to a huge project in Kent County.
After drama, a modification to make other data centers happy, significant debate and a late-night session Tuesday, legislators have approved tax breaks for Switch, the big data firm proposing a $5 billion project outside of Grand Rapids.
The Las Vegas firm wants to turn the old Steelcase Pyramid into the largest data processing center east of the Mississippi.
Two tax breaks were approved. A third, which would have given the firm relaxed property taxes, was dropped because of opposition.
They also added provisions the company meet hiring thresholds to obtain the cuts.
The House finally approved the measures at around 11 p.m. after spending most of the evening in caucuses. The Senate, which stuck around, immediately approved the changes.
The bills are making their way to Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk.
– John McNeill
