By Matt de Simone
Botetourt County officials announced that Google has purchased land zoned for industrial use and data centers in the Botetourt Center at Greenfield. The announcement came during the June 24 meeting of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday afternoon. A packed conference center heard comments from County Administrator Gary Larrowe, Amsterdam Supervisor Steve Clinton, John Hull of the Roanoke Regional Partnership, and Virginia Senator Chris Head welcoming Google to Botetourt County.
“Today, BOCO just won the ‘Super Bowl of Economic Development’ and the new industrial sector announcement here in this part of the world,” Larrowe said during the presentation last Tuesday.
According to a county-issued press release, Google will be responsible for covering any expenses associated with bringing utility services to the site. Local officials say that tax revenue from a facility of this scale could support a wide range of public priorities, including school facility improvements, infrastructure upgrades, first responder equipment, and other critical services.
As part of the deal, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors and the Economic Development Authority (EDA), in collaboration with Google, have entered into a performance agreement that will span 20 years of taxation for the server equipment associated with the potential project. If developed, the data center campus could generate substantial long-term revenue and enable Botetourt to expand its community programs and projects.
The sale of the 300-acre parcel to Google – purchased for approximately $14 million, with an additional $4 million in community investments – has already produced revenue that will go toward funding key county services, including public safety, community programming, and education.
The county worked alongside the Roanoke Regional Partnership, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and Appalachian Power to bring this opportunity to fruition. As part of the incentive structure, the Botetourt County EDA sold the land to Google for $45,000 per acre, slightly below its listed price of $50,000 per acre.
When reaching out to administration last week, officials responded clarifying that while the specific development timeline has not yet been publicly announced, the project will involve multiple steps before construction can begin. These include finalizing design plans, securing permits, and coordinating with state and local agencies. Updates on timing will be provided as the project progresses.
While the exact number of jobs the project will create has not been confirmed, officials noted that a facility of this nature typically brings a broad ripple effect across various sectors of the local economy. More information about employment opportunities is expected in the near future.
As for the financial impact, Botetourt leaders emphasized that Google’s capital investment in both real estate improvements and high-tech equipment is expected to result in major direct revenue for the county. Although the full investment total has not been publicly disclosed, officials described the magnitude as “a game changer.”
Photos by Matt de Simone
Data centers, the press release noted, are the engines powering modern digital life – from email and credit card transactions to mobile phone usage. Botetourt County could soon become one of those critical connection points. These facilities, officials added, typically require minimal local services while delivering high tax revenues, making them ideal economic partners for rural communities like Botetourt.
Elected leaders and partners celebrated the announcement in the release:
“We are always looking for communities that have the innovative and collaborative leadership necessary to bring complex projects like data center campuses to life, and we are optimistic about the partnership we’ve built so far with Botetourt and the entire Roanoke region,” said Amber Tillman, Google’s head of Data Center Public Affairs, North America.
Botetourt County Board of Supervisors Chair Amy White added, “This transformational project will relieve the pressure for further economic development in Botetourt County and allow us to continue our deep support of community needs like public safety and education, while reducing pressure on the taxpayer.”
Governor Glenn Youngkin also praised the project: “Google has invested significantly in the Commonwealth, and I am proud that they have chosen Botetourt County as the site of their newest data center. This latest investment reinforces Virginia’s global leadership in the industry.”
County Administrator Larrowe emphasized the broader potential of the partnership, especially in artificial intelligence: “A data center campus also allows us to become a leader in AI in rural communities. Who would have ever thought that one of the largest private investments in the history of western Virginia might land in Botetourt?”
The Roanoke Regional Partnership’s John Hull echoed the enthusiasm: “The emerging AI industry will be a huge economic driver, and this investment shows that the Roanoke Region could be at the forefront of developing this technology.”
Delegate Terry Austin called the decision “a tremendous win” that could help strengthen schools, reduce county debt, and support infrastructure and workforce development.
Supervisor Steve Clinton reflected on the original vision for the Greenfield business park, saying, “Today’s announcement fulfills that vision far beyond what, I think, any of us hoped in our wildest imaginations.”
Supervisor Brandon Nicely emphasized the balance between development and rural preservation: “Bringing a revenue-generating data center campus to Greenfield helps alleviate pressure on future leaders while maintaining the county’s rural character.”
Supervisors Vice Chair Dr. Mac Scothorn called Google’s interest “a testimony to the massive potential our county holds,” and Supervisor Walter Michael assured residents that the facility will be located within the existing business park, alongside other industrial users, minimizing any disruption.
Appalachian Power President & COO Aaron Walker said, “Google’s presence not only strengthens the local economy but also highlights our ability to provide reliable and efficient energy solutions.”
Senator Chris Head said the project “will transform Botetourt County and the entire region,” marking a milestone as the first data center project in western Virginia on the AEP system.
For additional information and community updates, residents are encouraged to visit the project FAQ page at www.botetourtva.gov/greenfield.
