During a groundbreaking ceremony for Google’s new 600 million dollar data center in the Columbia Gorge Industrial Center, Google Operations Manager Dave Karlson announced the company had purchased some of the former Northwest Aluminum site.  Karlson did not have complete details on the purchase made last week, adding the company has not developed any immediate plans for use of the property, but they want a place for future expansion.  The location is near where the Fort Dalles Rodeo Grounds were located, and Karlson said they are talking with rodeo officials about the potential for that land to be used for that event while the Fort Dalles Rodeo Association looks for a new permanent location.  He added Google would provide funding to help pay for new arena equipment.  The rodeo sold most of its components during the fall when they were informed they could no longer utilize the property where the former Milt Tumilson Arena stood.  Fort Dalles Rodeo Association President Damon Hulit expressed cautious optimism.  Hulit said he has been talking with Google for the past two months, adding there is still study to be done to see if it is feasible.  Hulit said there will still be no rodeo this year, but the aim would be to restart the event in 2017.  He added there has been no progress yet in the search for a permanent location for a rodeo arena.