Google to build data center in N.C. — AP

It’s no longer speculative, Google is coming to North Carolina. I’m glad Google is coming to the western part of the state — my part — instead of the Research Triangle, too.

The so-called “server farm” will eventually employ 210 people in a region hit hard in recent years by layoffs in the furniture and textile industries.

“This company will provide hundreds of good-paying, knowledge-based jobs that North Carolinas citizens want,” Gov. Mike Easley said in a statement. “It will help reinvigorate an area hard hit by the loss of furniture and textile jobs with 21st century opportunities.”

I don’t really think it’s going to make much difference to the region “hit hard in recent years by layoffs in the furniture and textile industries,” but hopefully it will start a trend of more jobs to the western part of the state.