SB575-09 | newsobserver.com projects

More incentives likely for Apple

Submitted by bniolet on June 26, 2009 - 7:38am.

Somewhere in this state, somebody is trying to figure out how to give more financial aid to Apple.

Good luck trying to figure out who. Or where.

The N.C. Department of Commerce released the first batch of records Thursday detailing negotiations that prompted Apple to agree this month to build a $1 billion data center in North Carolina and create 50 jobs. The decision came after state lawmakers, despite a more than $4 billion budget shortfall, changed corporate tax law to benefit the California computer company, shaving an estimated $46 million from its tax bill over a decade.

Apple still hasn't said where it is going to build. And the Commerce records go to some length to hide any hint.

Officials removed names, e-mail addresses and any other clues before making the records public. The records make clear that Apple will likely get more financial assistance.

About the only way to find out anything is to talk to lawmakers. Sen. David Hoyle, a Gaston County Democrat who shepherded the legislation, said Catawba County was in the picture. It's unclear who the other contenders are. (N&O)

Apple picks N.C.

Submitted by bniolet on June 3, 2009 - 11:36am.

Tags: Apple Computer | Beverly Perdue | incentives | SB575-09 | Under the Dome

Apple Computer will build a data center in North Caroilna.

Gov. Beverly Perdue this morning signed into law a bill that would give the company millions worth of tax breaks. The company then promptly announced it would build a facility in the state. The Cupertino, Calif., based company is expected to invest more than $1 billion in the project over nine years. The incentive law requires that investment for Apple to get its tax breaks.

"We welcome Apple to North Carolina and look forward to working with the company as it begins providing a significant economic boost to local communities and the state," Perdue said.

Perdue's news release did not specify exactly where the facility would be located.

Critics of the incentive, worth $3 million a year at first, said the state is spending a lot of money to create a few jobs. The facility is expected to employ at least 50 full-time employees, according to a news release from the governor's office. It would also attract as many as 250 contractors.

More after the jump.

House approves Apple bill

Submitted by bniolet on May 27, 2009 - 3:29pm.

Tags: Apple Computer | incentives | Pryor Gibson | SB575-09 | Under the Dome

The House gave final approval Wednesday to a tax incentive designed to lure an Apple Computer facility to the state.

The bill, which lowers the corporate tax the company would pay, must go back to the Senate since the House modified the Senate's version. The House approved the bill 80 to 34.

The House's changes limited the bill to apply only to one company. State officials won't specify who they are trying to lure, but it is widely discussed that the company is Apple, which is considering the state for a data center, essentially a giant warehouse of computer servers, likely to run company services such as the iTunes music store and the application store for its popular iPhone.

The center would bring about 50 workers, although another 250 contractors could get jobs. The facility could grow to employ more as its mission expands.