Published on October 01, 2026
Wayne County Commissioners voted unanimously at their full board meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2026 (with two Commissioners absent) to override County Executive Warren Evans September 25 veto of tax incentives and a community benefits agreement for the proposed Google data center in Van Buren Township, otherwise known as “Project Cannoli.”
The Commission’s approval is required by Act 198 as a condition of the Project’s qualification as an enterprise data center to remain eligible for sales tax and use tax exemptions. It is important to note that the final authority over the project's development and local tax abatement will be determined by Van Buren Township officials. The commissioners initial vote and subsequent override of County Executive’s veto did not approve the construction of the data center or authorize a development agreement– it only addresses the County's role in approving tax benefits associated with the project under state law.
“We remain committed to working closely with County Executive Evans and his team as we strive collectively together to provide the best possible infrastructure, outcome and economic development opportunities for all of our 43 communities and residents across Wayne County,” added Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell (D-District 7). “The Commission did their due diligence in deliberating on what can be a very difficult and controversial issue; however, we are confident that this is right decision and best outcome for the County.”
Van Buren Township officials previously approved $125 million in tax incentives for the project in May, and the township Planning Commission is expected to consider the project's final site plan review on October 14.
Among the many benefits of this historic $2B+ private infrastructure investment, “Project Cannoli” will: