AVAIO Digital, a Connecticut-based developer and operator of sustainable data centers, announced a new $6 billion data center campus at the East Metropolitan Center Business and Industrial Park in Brandon. 

“I don’t really have much of an opinion on it. I really just want what’s best for our city,” said one Brandon resident.

According to officials, AVAIO Digital Taurus will provide new workforce development opportunities in the state while also providing a variety of jobs for the Jackson-metro area. This will include at least 60 direct, high-tech jobs and hundreds of indirect jobs, ranging from construction to other related industries.

“It’s a good thing. It’s bringing jobs, bringing money, helping the city and stuff like that,” said one resident.

Technology is advancing quickly, and Brandon is set to be part of that. However, some are concerned about energy use and pollution from the data center. Brandon Mayor Butch Lee said the project will not hurt the environment.

“What pollution? This is electricity. It’s not generating anything to spoil the air or the water. Some of these places use a lot of water for cooling. Our system is already built,” he said.

Lee said he understands residents’ concerns, but he said the data center is a strong addition to Brandon. He encouraged anyone with questions to reach out directly.