The new data center will be located on the north side of State Road 32 just west of Lebanon. Roundabouts will be added at the entrances to the complex. (Rendering provided)
Submitted by Boone County EDC
The State of Indiana, the City of Lebanon, and the Boone County Economic Development Corporation announced Wednesday, Feb. 11 that Meta has officially broken ground on a new data center near Lebanon.
The new Meta data center represents a significant investment in Boone County and marks a major milestone in advancing the region’s leadership in technology and innovation and driving economic growth across Indiana.
“Indiana has the business-first environment and the central location needed to support the global infrastructure of tomorrow’s economy,” Governor Mike Braun said. “Meta’s significant investment in Indiana is a testament to our workforce and to our communities that will power its growth and its future here in Lebanon.”
Once completed, the Lebanon Data Center will represent an investment of more than $10 billion in the region. At the peak of construction, the project is expected to support more than 4,000 construction jobs, and once operational, the campus will support approximately 300 jobs. Beyond job creation, Meta’s investments will also contribute to local and state tax bases, and support area schools and non-profits through its annual grant programs. Information on construction and job opportunities is available online.
“At Meta, we’re building the infrastructure that will power the next generation of AI technology, and Lebanon is now at the heart of that effort. This is one of our largest investments to date, and it marks an important milestone in our AI ambitions,” said Rachel Peterson, vice president of data centers at Meta. “We’ve been proud to call Indiana home since 2024, and this project deepens that commitment, creating local jobs, supporting the community, and partnering with state and local leaders to drive real impact across the region.”
Located at the LEAP Innovation and Research District, Meta, which owns technologies like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, plans to invest approximately $45 million dollars in public road improvements that will support continued economic development in the City of Lebanon, Boone County, and surrounding regions.
Meta will be paying for the full costs for energy used by the data center, so consumers aren’t paying the costs. Meta is also donating $1 million per year, over the next 20 years, to the Boone REMC Community Fund to provide direct energy cost assistance to families in need. In addition, the company has backed over 400 megawatts of new energy projects in Indiana as part of its goal to match energy use with 100 percent clean and renewable energy, and the data center buildings will achieve LEED gold certification once operational – a standard for energy, water, and environmental stewardship.
Meta officials have said the company will pay the full cost of water and wastewater service required to support the data center site, including investments of over $75 million in public water infrastructure projects. Meta is committed to efficient water management and has set a goal to be water positive in 2030, meaning they will restore more water than they consume in the local watershed. As part of this commitment, Meta has also partnered with Arable to provide advanced irrigation solutions to independent farmers in the Upper Wabash River Basin. This project will restore 200 million gallons of water every year, over the next 10 years, while saving energy and reducing costs for growers.
“We are proud to welcome Meta to Lebanon’s LEAP Research and Innovation District,” Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry said. “By choosing Lebanon, Meta is not only investing in our community but is also strengthening the critical digital infrastructure that powers the modern world. In today’s economy, data centers serve as the essential backbone for national security, innovation, and global competitiveness. These facilities are launchpads for the next generation of American innovation, securing our digital sovereignty and enabling the breakthroughs in artificial intelligence that will define our future. This partnership positions Lebanon as a key player in a vital national industry while also providing a stable, long-term tax base that allows us to invest in our city’s future while keeping the local tax burden low for our residents.”
About Boone EDC
The Boone County Economic Development Corporation (Boone EDC) pursues desirable economic opportunities to support strong communities and enhance the quality of life for all Boone County residents. They aim to be a catalyst for smart growth strategies and forge mutually beneficial partnerships with organizations capable of understanding and further enriching the unique assets the residents of Boone County have built. For more information, visit BetterInBoone.org.
