Community-focused investment package brings immediate funding and long-term community support and investment
BLAKELY, Ga. (Aug. 13, 2026) – QTS Data Centers today announced a transformative community investment in partnership with the City of Blakely and Early County that reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the region and its future. This multi-faceted investment approach is designed to deliver meaningful benefits to the community immediately while supporting long-term economic growth and opportunity.
“At QTS, we believe our success is directly connected to the success of the communities where we invest,” said Tag Greason, Co-CEO of QTS. “This partnership reflects our commitment to creating meaningful and lasting benefits for Blakely and Early County. We are pleased that our contribution to the community can begin immediately, before construction even begins, and we can continue our investment for years to come. This is a long-term investment that will create lasting economic opportunity and support the continued growth and prosperity of the region.”
Immediate Investment
QTS’s commitment to Early County begins with annual $7.5 million payments for three years beginning in December 2026 to support local priorities and community improvements before construction even begins. This early investment is intended to create an immediate, positive impact while the project progresses.
As each building becomes operational, QTS will make payments, ranging from approximately $4.5 to $12.5 million per building per year. Based on the current proposed site plan, these early investments could average $60 to $85 million per year.
QTS’s investment will continue every year and will be a significant source of revenue from property taxes helping fund infrastructure improvements and other community priorities.
“We are proud to be paired with QTS, a company whose commitment to responsible development and long-term community investment aligns with the values of City of Blakely and Early County. This agreement is an important step toward an opportunity that can create positive economic growth, job creation and lasting benefits for generations to come,” said John Engler with McKnight Engler. “We look forward to being continued neighbors with QTS as we work together to build a stronger future for our community.”
Community Betterment Agreement
In addition to these investments, QTS will support a Community Betterment Fund totaling a minimum of $28.75 million. This will provide sustained investment in initiatives that strengthen the community and create lasting and impactful benefits for future generations.
The fund will work closely with Blakely and Early County to support a range of community priorities, including infrastructure upgrades, school improvements, workforce development programs and local law enforcement and fire department resources and training. Examples of these investments include:
“This investment represents an exciting opportunity for Early County and the city of Blakely,” said Blakely Mayor Travis Wimbush. “The framework outlined in the agreement demonstrates a shared commitment to responsible growth, economic development and long-term community benefit.”
As part of its commitment to being a long-term partner in Early County, QTS is dedicated to developing and operating its facilities responsibly. Consistent with that approach, QTS will fund the energy infrastructure and electricity required to support the campus, ensuring project-related energy costs are not passed on to local residents. The campus will also utilize a closed-loop cooling system that consumes no water for cooling once operational, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainable operations and responsible resource management.
About QTS
QTS is a global data center leader with unrivaled access to scalable infrastructure across North America and Europe. QTS delivers state-of-the-art data center solutions, robust connectivity, and premium customer service to leading hyperscale technology companies, enterprises, and government entities at gigawatt scale. QTS prioritizes investing responsibly in the communities where it builds and operates.
Let’s connect: Q.com | 877.QTS.DATA