KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — State Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, says massive tax breaks for Switch, which were approved in the Senate earlier this week, won’t just benefit the Nevada-based data storage company.
Though Switch prompted the discussion, Proos said all 19 data center operators already in Michigan will be benefactors.
He also said Michigan wants to lure additional projects into the state similar to the one slated for the Steelcase Pyramid in Grand Rapids.
“We’re picking an industry, and we believe this is a good thing for Michigan to compete,” Proos said in an interview on WKZO-AM on Friday. “The fact is, if we want this to be in Michigan, we have to put our best foot forward that is equal to the other states who have incentives.”
The House is expected to vote on the trio of bills next week.
Switch says it will take its $5 billion project and 1,000 jobs elsewhere if a deal isn’t done by year’s end.
– Anthony Pollreisz
