Google will invest $15 billion in Montgomery County data center
Google plans to invest $15 billion in a new data center in Montgomery County, Missouri, marking the largest investment in the state's history. The project is expected to create thousands of union construction jobs and hundreds of full-time operational roles. State and local officials, along with labor leaders, express strong support for the economic development and community partnerships, despite some regional concerns about data center impacts.
Google announced a $15 billion investment for a new data center and related infrastructure in Montgomery County, Missouri, near High Hill, marking the largest single investment in the state's history. The project, located an hour west of St. Louis near New Florence, will span over 900 acres adjacent to a previously announced Amazon data center site.
The development is projected to generate thousands of union construction jobs and hundreds of permanent operational positions. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe lauded Google's commitment as a testament to the state's technological growth and highlighted the company's community engagement through local partnerships, grants, and support for businesses. Site preparation is already underway, with Operating Engineers Local 513 members actively involved.
Labor leaders, including Brandon Flinn of the Missouri-Kansas Laborers District Council, emphasized Google's investment in workforce development, particularly a significant contribution to the Laborers and Contractors Joint Training Fund of Eastern Missouri. This partnership aims to train over 2,300 construction laborers, including apprentices, over the next two years. Ruth Porat, Google's president and chief investment officer, reiterated the company's commitment to workforce development and energy affordability, assuring that Google will cover infrastructure costs for its power needs and implement advanced air-cooling to minimize water usage.
While Montgomery County Presiding Commissioner Ryan Poston anticipates millions in revenue from the project, a cost-benefit analysis hearing is scheduled for June 8 to determine the exact figures. The announcement comes amidst regional controversy surrounding data center proliferation, with residents expressing concerns about utility costs, water supplies, environmental impact, and AI's effect on jobs. However, labor and state officials, like Missouri State Senator Doug Beck, expressed optimism that Google's investment would alleviate some of these concerns and bring significant economic transformation to the community.