South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Google's (GOOGL -0.21%) local data center manager broke ground today on a $600-million expansion to the search engine's current data center in the Palmetto state, according to a press release from the South Carolina Office of the Governor .
The new construction effectively doubles Google's previous $600-million investment that it made in 2007. Plans for expansion were first announced in November 2010 as part of Google's continued focus on increased capacity for services such as Google search, Gmail, Google+, and YouTube .
According to Data Center Operations Manager Eric Wages:
When Google first announced plans to come to Berkeley County in 2007, we were attracted to not only the energy infrastructure, developable land and available workforce, but also the extraordinary team from the local community that made us feel welcome.
Governor Haley agreed:
We celebrate Google's decision to grow its footprint in Berkeley County with a $600 million investment. When a world-class company like Google decides to expand in the Palmetto State, it shows we are providing the sort of business environment that helps foster success.
In a Facebook post, the Governor shared pictures of the ceremony and wrote, "It's a great day in South Carolina!"
