PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — The Scioto County Board of Commissioners is considering tax incentives for a proposed $1 billion data center development, a project that could bring significant investment and construction activity to the region.
On Wednesday, January 7, commissioners formally notified the Green Local School District and the Scioto County Joint Vocational School District that a tax abatement request is under review for the project. The proposed facility would span approximately 500,000 square feet.
Under the preliminary agreement, the data center could receive a 75 percent property tax abatement for 15 years. In addition, the developer would make payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to Scioto County, starting with a base annual payment of $500,000, with additional payments tied to the total square footage completed.
County leaders also emphasized workforce commitments as part of the discussions. Commissioners said they secured a good-faith agreement from the developer to work with local workers and trade unions during the construction phase.
AI-focused data center development, with a new company, New Day Data Centers LLC, planning a facility near the former DOE site, leveraging the area’s industrial potential and prompting local discussion about power, water, and impact.
“We recognize the importance of keeping our workforce here at home,” commissioners said, noting that inclusion of local labor language was a priority in the proposed agreement.
More details about the potential tax abatement will be shared during Thursday’s commissioners meeting. Public input will be accepted at the next three meetings on January 8, January 15, and January 22, with a final vote on the agreement expected on January 22, when the item is scheduled to appear on the agenda.
If approved, the project would represent one of the largest economic development investments in Scioto County’s history.
