Microsoft breaks ground on La Porte datacenter project

On Thursday, June 18, Microsoft marked an important milestone in La Porte, Indiana, with a groundbreaking event for its new datacenter project, alongside local leaders and community partners. In addition to the datacenter groundbreaking, Microsoft celebrated the signing of a partnership with Ivy Tech Community College to launch its first Microsoft Datacenter Academy in Indiana.

The event brought together elected officials, community stakeholders, and partners to highlight progress on site development and reinforce Microsoft’s commitment to investing in the region through jobs, infrastructure, and long-term community engagement.

Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chair and President, delivered remarks as part of Microsoft’s Community-First Infrastructure initiative, joining the La Porte mayor and local leaders.

“AI infrastructure is driving demand for skilled trades nationwide,” said Smith. “We’re committed to helping fill these jobs with people in the communities where we operate. Our Datacenter Academy agreement with Ivy Tech Community College will do just that by equipping people in Indiana with the skills to pursue the jobs we will create here.”

Beyond the thousands of construction jobs, the first phase of the new datacenter is expected to create more than 600 permanent Microsoft jobs. It will grow local tax revenues to support schools and the broader community for generations. The campus will be designed with the latest energy efficient and closed-loop liquid cooling technologies to conserve natural resources. And Microsoft will enhance the surrounding ecosystem to strengthen flood protection and natural habitat.