Project to create 1,000 construction jobs, 100 long-term positions, and $200 million in infrastructure improvements
BEAVER DAM, Wis. — November 13, 2024 — Meta announced plans to invest over $1 billion to develop a state-of-the-art, AI-optimized data center campus in Beaver Dam Commerce Park, Wisconsin’s largest certified development site. The project was announced alongside Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and state and local partners.
The new data center campus will span more than 700,000 square feet and is designed to support Meta’s growing demand for artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and digital infrastructure. The facility is projected to come online in 2027, creating more than 1,000 skilled construction jobs and over 100 permanent operational positions.
“This investment will help ensure Wisconsin is meeting the demands of the 21st century, supporting good jobs and cementing our position as a leader in advanced technology,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “Wisconsin must stay ahead in harnessing AI technologies, and this project helps us do exactly that.”
A Strategic Location for Innovation and Clean Energy
Meta selected Beaver Dam for its strong workforce, central Midwest location, and access to high-quality infrastructure. The company cited reliable energy systems, community partnerships, and long-term site readiness as critical factors.
“Beaver Dam is the perfect home for our first Wisconsin data center,” said Brad Davis, Director of Data Center Community and Economic Development at Meta. “We look forward to building a lasting partnership with the city and state for years to come.”
The data center will achieve LEED Gold certification, operate using 100% clean and renewable energy, and feature dry cooling technology—eliminating water usage for cooling once the site is operational.
As part of its commitment to the community, Meta will underwrite nearly $200 million in energy infrastructure upgrades, including substations, network improvements, and transmission lines needed to support the facility.
Major Conservation, Water-Positive and Community Investments
Meta will also invest in large-scale conservation and community benefit initiatives, including:
- Water Restoration
- Meta will restore 100% of the water consumed by the facility.
- The site will be water-positive by 2030, returning more water to local watersheds than it uses.
- Habitat Restoration
In partnership with Ducks Unlimited and local conservation groups, the project will restore 570 acres of wetlands and prairie habitat surrounding the site.
175 acres will be permanently conserved for wildlife habitat, flood mitigation, nutrient filtering, and public recreation.
“Strong partnerships are the core of successful conservation,” said Brian Glenzinski, Manager of Conservation Programs at Ducks Unlimited. “We are proud to work with Meta and the Beaver Dam community on this project.”
Energy Assistance
Meta will donate $15 million over ten years to Alliant Energy’s Hometown Care Energy Fund, supporting local families with direct energy cost assistance.
Positioning Wisconsin for the Future
“Alliant Energy’s Beaver Dam Commerce Park was designed for economic development opportunities like this,” said Becky Valcq, Assistant Vice President of Regulatory & Data Center Services at Alliant Energy. “As our communities grow, projects like Meta’s help ensure energy reliability and affordability.”
State economic development leaders celebrated Meta’s decision as a validation of long-term investment strategies.
“This world-class investment affirms the vision we had when certifying this site in 2019,” said Sam Rikkers, Deputy Secretary and COO of WEDC. “This is a win for Meta, Beaver Dam, Dodge County, and the entire state of Wisconsin.”
About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads statewide economic development efforts to help businesses, communities, and people thrive in a global economy. Working with more than 600 partners, WEDC offers tools and resources to support business attraction, expansion, and community revitalization. Learn more at wedc.org.
