BOYDTON, VA-Microsoft is investing $499 million in the southern county of Mecklenburg to build a data center. It will be the largest investment here, and create 50 jobs, according to Gov. Bob McDonnell. 

The state competed against North Carolina and Texas for the project, which will use modular technology and advanced cooling mechanics in its development. The county received a $2.1-million grant from the governor's Opportunity Fund to assist with the project. Also kicking in funds, or other assistance, to attract the project were the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, which approved $4.8 million, and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, which is providing training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Mecklenburg County and Boydton to woo Microsoft. Dominion Virginia Power and the Mid-Atlantic Broadband Cooperative also played a role.

Data center space in the Mid-Atlantic, in general, and the larger DC area specifically is very scarce, Bryan Loewen with Dallas-based GVA Cawley's Mission Critical Connect told GlobeSt.com in an earlier interview. 

There are two major operators here, Loewen explained--both of which are out of space. Digital Realty Trust will not have new space coming on line until Q1 of next year. Then there is DuPont Fabros Technology, which is out of capacity until it develops new facilities "and they haven’t even reached a date for that. The only available inventory comes from retail providers,” he said. Or companies, such as Microsoft, which push ahead to build their own space.