North Carolina is hoping to lure Apple and what could amount to a US$1 billion server farm to the state. The deal state legislators are working to approve would give Apple a tax break worth several million dollars, but would also generate new jobs over the next few years, according to the Associated Press.

The state government isn't saying the tax law changes that would make the deal possible were targeted at drawing Apple's server farm to the state, but one official speaking anonymously confirmed that the Cupertino-based company is exactly who they are looking at.

Apple's server farm would amount to a big win for North Carolina since the state is facing an unemployment rate up over ten percent, and the facility would be located in one of the state's poorest regions.

The tax incentives could save Apple about $46 million over the next ten years should the company reach its $1 billion investment point within nine years. Tax savings could reach $300 million over the next 30 years, too.

State officials and Apple declined to comment on the potential deal.