Blakely, Georgia — August 19, 2026 — QTS Data Centers has announced a major community investment agreement with the City of Blakely and Early County, Georgia, as the company advances plans for a large-scale data center development in the region.
The investment package is designed to provide immediate financial support before construction begins while creating a long-term revenue stream for community improvements once the campus becomes operational.
QTS's initial commitment includes $7.5 million in annual payments for three years, beginning in December 2026. The payments are intended to provide funding for local priorities and community improvements while the proposed data center project progresses toward construction.
Once individual buildings become operational, QTS expects to make payments ranging from approximately $4.5 million to $12.5 million per building each year. Based on the current site plan, the company estimates that these investments could average $60 million to $85 million annually.
The ongoing payments are expected to become a significant source of property tax revenue for Early County, helping fund infrastructure improvements and other community priorities.
Beyond the annual payments, QTS will support a Community Betterment Fund totaling at least $28.75 million.
The fund is intended to provide sustained investment in initiatives that strengthen the community, including:
QTS also said it will fund the energy infrastructure and electricity needed to support the campus, ensuring project-related energy costs are not passed on to local residents.
The planned campus will use a closed-loop cooling system that consumes no water for cooling once operational, reflecting QTS's stated focus on resource management and sustainable data center operations.
The company said the partnership is intended to generate long-term economic opportunity while supporting Blakely and Early County's infrastructure, workforce and community priorities.
Source: QTS.
