Compass Datacenters has broken ground on its data center campus in Meridian, Mississippi.

Compass Meridian
– Compass Datacenters via LinkedIn

The Dallas-based developer is set to build an eight-building campus in Lauderdale County, that will see a total investment value of $10 billion. This figure includes the investment of IT equipment by customers, rather than Compass’s individual investment figure.

Plans for the campus were first announced at the beginning of last month.

Compass told DCD that each building will span 250,000 sq ft (23,200 sqm) with 40MW of IT capacity each.

The facilities are expected to be constructed over an eight-year period, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

The Mississippi Development Authority has certified the company as a data center operator, providing Compass with 10-year state income and franchise tax exemptions.

The city of Meridian, Lauderdale County, and utility provider Mississippi Power Company are also assisting on the project, with Mississippi Power supplying around 500MW of power for the project.

“This $10 billion megadeal is huge for Lauderdale County and the entire state as we continue an impressive economic development streak that is unprecedented in Mississippi," said Mississippi governor Tate Reeves. "Through our pro-business policies and favorable business environment, we continue to establish our state as an ideal location for high-tech developments by providing the resources needed for innovation and growth."

Compass has 16 data center sites it is developing or operating across the US, Europe, and Israel. The company is currently planning an 11.55 million sq ft (1.07 sqm) campus in Prince William County, Virginia. Compass was acquired by Brookfield and Ontario Teachers Pension Plan from RedBird Capital Partners and the Azrieli Group in June 2023 for $5.5bn.

Mississippi isn't known for its data center market, but last year saw Amazon confirmed as planning a $10 billion campus outside Jackson.