Nevada board trying to lure Apple to Reno
CARSON CITY - The Nevada Board of Economic Development on Wednesday endorsed a deal negotiated by the state to lure Apple Inc. to Reno with $89 million in tax breaks, though the action was largely for show since the panel lacks authority to change the terms.
Gov. Brian Sandoval called the deal a "win" for the state and said Apple's commitment to Northern Nevada will generate interest from more businesses .
A state law approved last year gives the economic development agency's executive director wide discretion to negotiate deals.
"If we had not implemented that statute we would not have Apple here," said Steve Hill, head of the Governor's Office of Economic Development who began negotiating with the Cupertino, Calif.-based high tech firm in February.
Apple plans to build a 350-acre data center near Sparks to house servers. After construction, the company said the facility will employ at least 35 full-time workers with an hourly wage of $25, as well as up to 200 contract workers.
Company officials also said they will build a purchasing and business center in a blighted area near downtown Reno. Analysts estimate the projects will bring about $340 million in economic activity to the area over the next decade.
In exchange for the tax breaks, Apple pledged to invest $1 billion in the region over 10 years. The agreement contains options to extend the abatements for two, 10-year periods, if the company complies .
