Verrus Proposes $5.1 Billion Data Center Campus in Salem

California-based technology company Verrus has proposed the construction of a $5.1 billion data center campus called Oakline at Mill Creek in southeast Salem, Oregon. The project would occupy 75 acres within the Mill Creek Corporate Center and consist of three data center buildings and a utility substation. Designed to support artificial intelligence and cloud computing, the facility is expected to create 75 permanent jobs and generate roughly $10.5 million in annual tax revenue for the city's general fund and Community Livability Levy.

To mitigate environmental concerns, the proposal includes battery energy storage and a closed-loop cooling system intended to reduce water and electricity consumption. While construction unions support the project for its job potential, local residents have raised concerns regarding noise, environmental impacts, and a lack of public notice prior to the project's introduction.

The city of Salem is currently evaluating the proposal. Verrus first approached the city through the Strategic Economic Development Corporation in March 2025 to assess potential locations, but the city has not yet granted approval for the campus.