Microsoft Iowa Data Center Set for Des Moines

Microsoft's new data center project in Iowa will be located in the Des Moines area, where the company is still reviewing potential sites. "I can confirm, subject to approval of the state and local assistance, that we're looking at a final list of properties in Des Moines for the future construction of the data center," Microsoft spokeswoman Beth Jordan told the AP.

Stephanie Bjornson, a spokeswoman for the Iowa Department of Economic Development, said the company wasn't releasing the potential site locations, number of jobs and scope of the project. She said the state is negotiating with the company on tax breaks.

But Gov. Chet Culver is already rolling out the welcome mat. "On behalf of all Iowans, let me be among the first to say 'Microsoft, Welcome to Iowa!'" Culver said in a statement. "In making its decision, Microsoft recognized what we in Iowa have known all along