Fidelity Announces $20 Million Data Center in Greater Omaha

Fidelity Investments has announced plans to construct a new $200 million data center in Greater Omaha. Fidelity is joining the metro’s growing list of data centers including Yahoo!, Google, Verizon, Cabela’s and Infocrossing Inc.

The company cited the state’s low power rates and central U.S. location as key factors in its decision to locate in Nebraska, as well as the array of available incentives. Upon completion, the state-of-the-art data center will employ approximately 30 to 35 associates.

In efforts to create the most competitive business assistance package, the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership worked with Gov. Dave Heineman, the Nebraska Unicameral, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Nebraska Department of Revenue, and City of Papillion and Sarpy County officials. The final package included a modification to the Nebraska Advantage business incentive program to create a large data center option.

“To have Fidelity Investments, an outstanding company, utilize the Nebraska Advantage incentive helps us set the bar for other quality companies weighing location considerations for future data center projects,” said Gov. Heineman.

“Fidelity is pleased to be in Nebraska,” said Steve Scullen, President of Corporate Operations for Fidelity Investments. “The state is an extremely attractive market for data center expansion and we’d like to thank Governor Heineman and other state, regional and local officials for being so cooperative and such great partners throughout this process. We believe the site we’ve chosen will provide us with the flexibility to build to our specifications in a location that will accommodate our needs now and in the future.”

Fidelity has committed to and expects to invest a minimum of $200 million to construct and outfit the data center. Fidelity will start construction immediately and expects the new facility to be operational in 2014. The design and construction of the facility will be in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and will be designed to attain LEED certification.

“This project and the associated infrastructure are significant to Papillion’s growth,” said Mayor David Black, Mayor of Papillion. “Not only are we adding a good business and industry, but the water and sewer extensions can help accelerate the natural growth in the western part of our jurisdiction.”

Fidelity becomes the first firm to use the “Tier 2 Plus-Large Data Center” provision contained in the recently amended Nebraska Advantage Act. During the 2012 Legislative session LB 1118 was passed, creating an additional Tier 2 to the Nebraska Advantage incentives and providing benefits for large data center projects.