Amid data center backlash, Google gives $1M for South Georgia wetlands

Gov. Brian Kemp vetoed a two-year pause in a sales tax exemption the state gives for building and equipping computer data centers.
A banner hangs during a ceremony announcing a proposed $300 million expansion of Google's data center operations Tuesday, June 2, 2015, in Lithia Springs, Ga. Georgia. (AP Photo/David Goldman, file)

Google will spend $1 million on conservation work in a watershed in South Georgia near one of its data centers.

The donation, announced this week, is part of a $17 million commitment by Google to support seven waterway and infrastructure improvement projects nationwide.

In Georgia, the nonprofit Ducks Unlimited will be putting Google’s money toward the restoration of 35 acres of wetlands in the Flint River Wildlife Management Area.