Apple picks N.C.

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.

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The North Carolina Department of Commerce projects that a data center investment of $1 billion would create more than 3,000 jobs in the regional economy, including hundreds of jobs related to construction and others created as a result of economic growth.

"Technology-driven projects like this may bring fewer overall jobs than traditional industry, but they have a tremendous economic impact through locally purchased goods and services," Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco said.

The incentive law requires the company to locate in a county with a high unemployment rate.

"During these tough economic times, it’s important to make the investments that create jobs in areas that need them the most," said Perdue.