Dominion Virginia Power announced in mid-November that it had certified a new Virginia data center site. The facility is the first in Stafford County to pass Dominion's strict Data Center Site Certification Program.
Only seven other sites hold the Dominion certification seal of approval, making the new Virginia data center a desired commodity in the area. Dominion's certifications are based on evaluations and analysis of more than 30 factors, including geography, available utilities and risk factors. Local officials hope the arrival of such a facility will make Stafford County a major player in the area's data center market, on par with Ashburn and Fairfax County.
The site, which is owned by Silver Companies, is located on 12.5 acres within the Quantico Corporate Center and is an ideal spot for a data center as it is only 30 miles from Washington, D.C. It also offers access to abundant power supplies and a comprehensive network of fiber optic connections along the I-95 corridor.
"All the factors necessary to ensure successful site development are in place: reliable electric infrastructure and low rates, proximity to large capacity water and sewer service, transportation and access to a robust fiber-optic network," said Stafford County administrator Anthony Romanello. "Stafford County boasts a pro-business climate with favorable tax policies, investment in infrastructure and lower costs for land, facilities and labor."
Redundant Power, Comprehensive Fiber Network Integral To New Site
Stafford County enlisted Silver Companies to develop the Virginia data center and SummitIG to build up a fiber optic network to connect the new site to the company's existing infrastructure. SummitIG's fiber network enables the Stafford data center to be linked to other facilities in Northern Virginia and beyond and provides dark fiber to the customers in the area, which can be a deciding factor for organizations selecting a site.
"Data is king, and the business community needs to have lots of data and needs to have it quickly," said Romanello. "There's a need in Northern Virginia for high-tech facilities, and it's all part of our strategy to continue to diversify the economic base."
Stafford County officials are aiming to entice government customers and have high hopes that multiple organizations with headquarters nearby – including a number of agencies within the Department of Defense – will move into the Virginia data center.
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