IBM putting 800-job service center in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Gov. Bobby Jindal and IBM official Colleen Arnold say IBM expects to have 800 employees within four years at a service center to be built in Baton Rouge.

The project involves about $74 million in public money over 12 years.

Louisiana Economic Development is offering $29.5 million over 12 years - including $1.5 million in local money - for workforce costs and facility operation.

State, federal and city money will put up a $30.5 million office building on the old Advocate newspaper site. It's to be developed by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation's real estate trust.

The state is also providing $14 million over 10 years to increase the number of computer science graduates in Louisiana. At least 65 percent will expand Louisiana State University's computer science division.

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