In a move interpreted as signaling the start of attempt to attract a major data center, the city of Rockford, Illinois has begun purchasing land for a technology park.
According to the Rockford Register Star, in June, the city purchased 20 acres of land between Interstate 39 (I-39) and Demint Road, north of Illinois 38. It has an option on a further 140 acres once businesses are found to locate their.
Within the next few months, city manager Ken Alberts expects an announcement to made regarding the possible construction of a 100,000-square-foot data center
The park hooks up with a high-speed fiber-optic line being installed along I-39, which connects existing lines in Rockford and Rochelle to provide a "triangle of service to northern Illinois.