To help combat the risk of cyber security threats, the NSA is set to build a new $1.5 billion cyber security data center to help provide intelligence and warnings related to cyber security threats across the government. InformationWeek reports that the NSA will soon break ground on the project in Utah. The data center will also support and help civilian agencies and offer technical assistance to the Department of Homeland Security.

Sen. Robert Bennett of Utah said, "Our country must continue to advance its national security efforts and that includes improvements in cyber security. As we rely more and more on our communications networks for business, government, and everyday use, we must be vigilant and provide agencies with the necessary resources to protect our country from a cyber attack."

The location for the data center is Camp Williams, which is a National Guard Training center 26 miles south of Salt Lake City. InformationWeek reports that the location was chosen for its ability to access cheap power, communications infrastructure, and availability of space. The complex will eventually have 1.5 million square feet of space on 120 to 200 acres.

The data center will need 30-megawatts of power, will be cooled by chilled water, and have T3 or near carrier grade reliability. A conference will be hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of engineers  in Salt Lake City to provide further details on the data center building and the plans for the facility.

The construction of the data center will employ between 5,000 and 10,000 workers and the data center will employ between 100 and 200 workers when complete.

The U.S. Military announced it was creating its new cyber defense department in June with plans for the new unit to be operational this month.