Council approves HP tax incentives

The Colorado Springs City Council unanimously approved an economic-development agreement Tuesday that gives Hewlett-Packard about $4.8 million in incentives to build a $260 million "next generation" data center on South Rockrimmon Boulevard.

The incentives are all in the form of tax rebates.

"Hewlett-Packard has been here since 1961," said Lisa Bigelow, the city's economic-development director. "It has been very important for our local economy to keep this type of industry, as well as grow this newer-generation technology."

Vice Mayor Larry Small said it was an "honor" to have Hewlett-Packard in the Springs, adding that the company is "a hallmark in the business world."