Microsoft Azure: Microsoft acquires acres of land in North Carolina

Person County last week announced that Microsoft had acquired the 1,350-acre Person County Mega Park. Citing county property records, local press report Microsoft paid $26.85 million for the site, located in Woodsdale Township.

"Microsoft's presence in Person County will boost our local economy through direct and indirect means, leading to job creation, sustaining a low tax base, and enhancing housing opportunities, among other benefits," Brandy Lynch, Person County's economic development director, told WRAL News, adding the deal has been in the works for about 18 months.

"The company has been actively looking for development opportunities in the North Carolina market and worked with Person County leaders to select this site," Lynch said. "Microsoft has not finalized project plans, capital investment, or number of employees but will provide updates when there is more information to share."

A Microsoft spokesperson told WRAL: “Microsoft has nearly 50 years of supporting local business growth, community development, and innovation. We don’t have anything to share at this time about the purchase of land in Person County, but we are committed to working with the community as we move forward.”