Meta will invest more than $1 billion to build an artificial-intelligence-optimized data center campus in Beaver Dam, marking the company’s first facility in Wisconsin and one of the state’s largest technology investments to date. The announcement was made jointly by Governor Tony Evers, Meta leadership, and state and local economic development partners.
Governor Evers said the project reinforces Wisconsin’s growing position in advanced technology and next-generation infrastructure. “This investment will help ensure Wisconsin is meeting the demands of the 21st century while creating family-supporting jobs across the region,” he said.
The project is expected to generate more than 1,000 construction jobs at peak and more than 100 long-term operations roles when the site comes online in 2027.
Meta officials highlighted Beaver Dam’s talent pipeline, strong infrastructure, and longstanding community partnerships as key factors in their selection. “This is the perfect home for Meta,” said Brad Davis, the company’s director of data center community and economic development.
The 700,000-square-foot campus is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification and will operate on 100% renewable energy. Meta will invest nearly $200 million in regional energy infrastructure, including network upgrades and new substations. The company will also contribute $15 million over 10 years to Alliant Energy’s Hometown Care Energy Fund to support families facing energy insecurity.
Environmental stewardship is a cornerstone of the project. Meta has committed to restoring 100% of the water the facility consumes and will implement dry-cooling systems to eliminate operational water use for cooling. In partnership with Ducks Unlimited, the company will restore 570 acres of wetland and prairie habitat surrounding the site, including 175 acres dedicated to long-term conservation.
Beaver Dam Commerce Park, Wisconsin’s largest certified development site, was designated shovel-ready by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) in 2019. State economic leaders said Meta’s decision validates years of planning to position the region for large-scale industrial and digital infrastructure growth.
“This project is a major win for Wisconsin,” said WEDC Deputy Secretary Sam Rikkers. “It reflects the strength of our workforce, our infrastructure, and our long-term economic strategy.”
