advancements. Mayor Mays sheds light on a series of transformative infrastructure projects that have enhanced the city’s capabilities and attracted substantial investments. “Over the last 18 years, we have been able to attract three Google data centers here,” he states, underlining the strategic negotiations that brought these developments to fruition. The allure of The Dalles for such a tech giant stems from a combination of factors, including the availability of fiber optics, affordable energy, and a reliable water supply— elements critical to the operation of data centers. As the Mayor suggests, the fiber infrastructure is a critical asset, enticing Google’s initial interest and subsequent expansions in the city.This technological backbone has facilitated not just Google’s operations but has also supported broader community benefits, including funding for a new housing complex and skill center at the Columbia Gorge Community College, courtesy, in part, of the revenue generated from these deals. Google’s contributions extend beyond the digital realm, impacting the city’s physical infrastructure. As part of its agreement to establish two new data centers, Google is investing approximately $28 million in local infrastructure enhancements. This investment supports Google’s operations and 215 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 03 THE DALLES
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