Mississippi is preparing for one of its largest economic developments in state history as AVAIO Digital, a Connecticut-based developer and operator of sustainable data centers, announced a $6 billion investment in Brandon. The massive data center campus, called AVAIO Digital Taurus, will be built at the East Metropolitan Center Business and Industrial Park and is expected to be completed during the first half of 2027.

Governor Tate Reeves praised the announcement, calling it a milestone for Mississippi’s economic future.
“Today is another historic day for Mississippi,” Reeves said in a statement. “AVAIO Digital’s $6 billion investment is the third largest in our state’s history and a great vote of confidence in our people, our communities and our ability to get companies up and running faster.”

Reeves emphasized that the Brandon project is more than just an infrastructure investment—it’s a step toward reshaping Mississippi’s role in the global digital economy.
“We are competing – and winning – on the global stage, and our state is open for business and ready to lead. The Mississippi Momentum is strong, and this is our time,” Reeves added.

The Brandon data center will create at least 60 high-tech, direct jobs along with hundreds of indirect positions in construction, utilities, and related industries. The new facility is designed with advanced sustainability features, including water-efficient cooling systems, rooftop solar, rainwater recapture, and energy-efficient design to minimize environmental impact.

Connectivity will be another major advantage for the project. According to AVAIO Digital, the site offers direct access to multiple long-haul fiber routes linking Brandon to major data center hubs like Dallas and Atlanta. This connectivity will support cloud computing, AI applications, networking, and data storage technologies.

AVAIO Digital CEO Mark McComiskey said the development represents a turning point for Mississippi’s role in the technology sector.
“Mississippi provides a unique opportunity for hyperscalers to rapidly expand their digital presence in close proximity to established data center markets in a highly-sustainable way,” McComiskey said. He added that the Greater Jackson area is now positioned to become a hub for cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

Power for the new campus will be provided by Entergy Mississippi, which has invested heavily in expanding the state’s clean and reliable energy capacity.
“Mississippi continues to lead the southeast region into a new economic and innovation era, with the announcement of AVAIO Digital’s data center hub in Brandon,” said Entergy CEO Haley Fisackerly. “The development proves why Entergy’s investment in reliable, clean and efficient power generation is essential to attracting new business and the state’s growth.”

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) approved AVAIO Digital Taurus for the state’s Data Center Enterprises tax exemption, providing significant incentives to the company. MDA had also assisted in preparing the East Metropolitan Center site through the Site Development Grant Program. Rankin County and the city of Brandon are also supporting the project with additional assistance.

With the project ranking among the top three largest private investments in Mississippi history, officials believe the data center will not only boost the state’s economy but also attract new technology leaders seeking scalable, sustainable infrastructure.

By 2027, Mississippi leaders expect the AVAIO Digital Taurus campus to become a cornerstone of the region’s growing role in digital infrastructure, workforce development, and global technology innovation

Originally reported by Frank Corder in Magnolia Tribune.