Yahoo exploring possible data center in Grant County

David A. Cole

Herald staff writer

Company seeks long-term commitment, use of Zipp network

EPHRATA — Yahoo! Inc. is looking to build a new data center facility within the Basin, but the company would need a service commitment from the Grant County Public Utility District, officials said.

Yahoo, a leading global Internet company, wants a long-term commitment from the PUD for use of the utility's Zipp fiber optic network, a communication system the PUD developed to provide broadband access to the residents of Grant County.

Yahoo spokesperson Kiersten Hollars declined to comment Monday.

In March, the PUD board of commissioners adopted a "stand pat" position on the fiber system, meaning no new construction would happen. Customers in "fiber ready" areas, however, are still able to connect to the system.

PUD General Manager Tim Culbertson said Monday Yahoo wants the PUD to commit "to providing fiber access for a long time."

A commitment with Yahoo would require the PUD to maintain the fiber network in its current condition for about 20 years, he said.

Yahoo also is interested in Grant County because of its low-cost power, Culbertson said.

Last week, one of Yahoo's founders visited the area and met with members of both the Grant County Economic Development Council and PUD senior staff, Culbertson said.

"I don't think it's a secret they are thinking about coming here," Culbertson said.

GCEDC executive director Terry Brewer, however, would not comment about a meeting with Yahoo or a visit by representatives of the company.

Commissioner Tom Flint at Monday's regular meeting asked Culbertson how far Yahoo had progressed in the site selection process.

"I think they're a long ways down the road on this," Culbertson said.

Yahoo would require about 15-20 megawatts of power from the PUD to operate and the new facility would staff about 40 employees, he said.

Commissioner Randy Allred said he was concerned about the amount of power that may be consumed by a company with 40 local employees.

Meanwhile, Douglas County PUD has also been contacted by Yahoo as a possible location for the new data center facility, Culbertson said.