Clinton Offers $750M Data Center Major Tax Incentives

30-year deal to bring large facility to former Milwaukee Tool site

Mar. 4, 2026 at 12:20am

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Documents obtained by WLBT reveal that the city of Clinton, Mississippi has approved a 67% reduction in annual ad valorem taxes for 30 years as an incentive for a company to build a $750 million data center in the former Milwaukee Tool facility. The deal, which still needs approval from the Mississippi Development Authority, is expected to provide millions in annual revenue to the city, county, and local school district.

Why it matters

The data center project represents the largest economic development initiative in Clinton and Hinds County history, with the potential to significantly boost municipal and school budgets through the tax incentive agreement. However, the deal has raised some concerns from residents about potential environmental impacts from the facility.

The details

According to the 25-page document, the unnamed company will receive a 67% reduction in its annual ad valorem taxes for 30 years once the first portion of the data center is operational. The tax incentive was a major factor in the company's decision to choose Clinton over other potential sites. The agreement still requires approval from the Mississippi Development Authority. The 690,000 square foot facility will be located at the former Milwaukee Tool site and will involve adding new fencing and replacing the parking lot with mechanical and electrical equipment.

  • The Clinton Board of Aldermen and Hinds County Board of Supervisors approved the tax incentive agreement in February 2026.
  • Construction activities to rehabilitate the former Milwaukee Tool building have already begun.

The players

Will Purdie

The mayor of Clinton, Mississippi, who stated that the data center will be the largest economic development project in the city and county's history.

Clinton Public School District

The local school district that is expected to receive additional millions in yearly revenue from the data center project.

Mississippi Development Authority

The state agency that still needs to approve the tax incentive agreement between Clinton and the data center company.

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What they’re saying

“[It] will inject millions of dollars per year directly into not only the city of Clinton's budget, but also additional millions yearly into the budget of the Clinton Public School District, as well as that of the county. It cannot be overstated the effect these revenues will have on the city and school district's ability to enhance our quality of life and education, and to strengthen the services we provide to our citizens.”

— Will Purdie, Mayor of Clinton

“The proposed location is deep within an established industrial area, well removed from residential neighborhoods. This project would be subject to the same standards and expectations as the other industrial and manufacturing operations currently operating in the industrial park.”

— Will Purdie, Mayor of Clinton

What’s next

The Mississippi Development Authority must still approve the tax incentive agreement between Clinton and the data center company before the project can move forward.

The takeaway

While the data center project represents a major economic boost for Clinton and Hinds County, the significant tax incentives raise questions about the balance between business attraction and potential environmental impacts on the local community. Ongoing negotiations and regulatory approvals will be critical to ensuring the project delivers maximum benefits while addressing resident concerns.