Microsoft Corporation says it is still committed to its previously announced $550 million data center project in West Des Moines, Iowa, according to a statement from Iowa Governor Chet Culver. "I've been assured by Microsoft that it is not a question of 'if' but of 'when' they move forward with this project in Iowa," says Culver. "They understand Iowa has a great work force, a great quality of life, and is a great place to do business." Culver traveled to Washington to meet with Microsoft officials on March 30 to discuss the project, which is expected to employ at least 75 workers with an average annual salary of $70,000. Microsoft announced the project last August, but postponed it in January, citing the national recession. Culver says Microsoft officials declined to offer a timeline on when the project might be taken up again.
