For Immediate Release:

March 12, 2012

Contact:  Farhan Chughtai

                   703-772-7168

DELEGATE COMSTOCK'S BILL PROMOTING THE DATA CENTER INDUSTRY PASSED WITH STRONG BIPARTISAN SUPPORT  

Richmond, VA - With the completion of the General Assembly session this past Saturday, Delegate Comstock highlighted the passage of an important economic development bill she introduced.  House Bill 216, a Data Center bill, which provides tax incentives to attract data centers to move to and expand in Virginia, passed with strong bipartisan majorities and with the strong support of the Loudoun County and Fairfax County business community.

Delegate Comstock issued the following statement:   

"I am pleased that this bill, which will provide tax incentives for data centers, passed with such strong bipartisan support.  I have already heard from companies that now plan to move to or expand in Virginia as a result of this legislation."   

"The data center industry is expected to grow by hundreds of millions of dollars in the coming years and we want to keep Virginia a top destination for these centers. With possible federal cuts looming and our government contracting community facing threats, we need to continue to diversify our economy by focusing on private sector commercial markets where we have a competitive advantage. HB 216 will keep Virginia competitive in attracting and retaining jobs and capital investment in the ultra competitive data center industry.  I look forward to continuing to provide ways we can attract and keep this important, innovative industry growing in the Commonwealth." 

Business Leaders throughout Northern Virginia lauded the passage of this critical pro-business legislation:

Bobbie Kilberg, President & CEO, Northern Virginia Technology Council:   

"As the leading business advocate for this legislation, we are grateful to Delegate Barbara Comstock for her extraordinary leadership as the bill sponsor and champion in the House of Delegates. These incentives will boost Virginia's competitiveness in attracting data center jobs and investment, and will further distinguish Virginia as a global technology center." 

Tony Howard, President, Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce:  

"On behalf of the business community in Loudoun County, where the data center industry is such an important part of our local economy, I wish to congratulate Delegate Barbara Comstock, and all of the Delegates and Senators who supported this data center tax incentive in such a strong bipartisan fashion.   The overwhelming bipartisan support for this economic development incentive demonstrates the growing appreciation for the data center industry's success in creating jobs and expanding the commercial tax base throughout the Commonwealth." 

Jim Corcoran, President & CEO of the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce: 

"It is critical for the General Assembly to support emerging industries that will grow and diversify our economy and help us attract new jobs. The Northern Virginia business community applauds Delegate Comstock and her colleagues for this important piece of legislation."