Google announced a historic $15 billion investment to build infrastructure in New Florence, Missouri, marking one of the largest technology infrastructure investments in the state’s history. The project is expected to expand local infrastructure capacity, support workforce development initiatives, increase energy affordability programs, and create thousands of jobs across the region.
The announcement was made during a community celebration in Montgomery County and highlights Missouri’s growing role as a destination for advanced technology and data center development.
Mike Kehoe said the investment reinforces Missouri’s reputation as a center for innovation and next-generation technology. Kehoe emphasized that the project goes beyond infrastructure, describing it as a long-term investment in Missouri families, local communities, and economic opportunity.
The company said the project will generate thousands of construction jobs during the buildout phase and hundreds of permanent operational positions once the facility becomes operational. Google also noted that every direct data center job typically supports nearly nine additional local jobs, including positions tied to construction, maintenance, HVAC services, landscaping, and related industries.
As part of its workforce development strategy, Google is partnering with the Construction Laborers and Contractors Joint Training Fund of Eastern Missouri to expand training capacity at the Laborers and Contractors Training Center. The initiative is expected to help train more than 2,300 construction laborers, including approximately 1,500 apprentices, over the next two years.
The investment also builds on Google’s Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) Program in Kansas City, which helps prepare workers for careers in construction and skilled trades. According to the company, nearly 130 Missourians have already graduated from the program, with many now employed in construction and trade-related positions.
In addition to workforce initiatives, Google said it will support a first-of-its-kind mobile sensory and accessibility resource center designed to improve accessibility at festivals, schools, sporting events, and community gatherings throughout Missouri.
The company also outlined plans related to energy infrastructure and affordability. Under Missouri’s Senate Bill 4 consumer protection framework, Google said it will cover 100% of the electricity usage and infrastructure costs directly tied to the data center’s operations.
Google added that it has already contracted for more than one gigawatt of new generation capacity in Missouri and is supporting development of more than 500 megawatts of additional capacity through its partnership with Ameren.
To further address energy affordability, Google announced a $20 million Energy Impact Fund aimed at helping lower monthly energy bills for households in Montgomery County and surrounding regions tied to the company’s planned data center developments.
One of the initial recipients of the fund will be North East Community Action Corporation, which plans to use the funding for home repairs, weatherization upgrades, and workforce training initiatives tied to energy efficiency programs.
Google also emphasized its commitment to water conservation and environmental stewardship. The Montgomery County data center will utilize advanced air-cooling technology designed to minimize water consumption, limiting water use primarily to facility operations such as kitchens. The company added that it supports watershed initiatives, including the Missouri SWAN Smart Irrigation Initiative, to help preserve groundwater and reduce agricultural runoff.
KEY QUOTES:
“Google’s historic investment in Montgomery County is a testament to Missouri’s growing reputation as a premier destination for innovation and next-generation technology. Beyond the significant economic impact and job creation, Google has demonstrated a true commitment to strengthening the community through local partnerships, investments, grants, and support for area businesses. This project represents more than infrastructure , it’s an investment in Missouri families, communities, and long-term opportunity. We are proud to partner with companies like Google that are helping drive economic growth while making a meaningful difference in the communities they call home.”
Mike Kehoe, Governor Of Missouri
“We look forward to expanding Google’s investments in Missouri and helping Missourians benefit from the next wave of American innovation. To deliver the upside of technology, we are investing in workforce development and energy affordability, both directly and through our partnerships with local organizations. This commitment will provide thousands of Missourians with valuable technical and trade skills, while supporting energy affordability for residents in Montgomery County and across the state.”
Ruth Porat, President And Chief Investment Officer Of Alphabet And Google
“This project will deliver lasting economic benefits through new investment, support for local businesses, and meaningful community partnerships that help create opportunities for Missourians. Google’s commitment to community engagement, workforce development, and local initiatives demonstrates the type of corporate partnership that helps communities grow and prosper for generations to come.”
Michelle Hataway, Director Of The Missouri Department Of Economic Development
“We are proud to welcome Google’s investment in our community. This project represents a major step forward in economic development , driving job creation, expanding our tax base to help reduce property tax for local citizens, and creating resilient long-term growth for Montgomery County. It’s a clear example of what strong partnerships can accomplish.”
Ryan Poston, Montgomery County Presiding Commissioner
“Google’s major investment in Montgomery County reflects what’s possible through strong partnerships with local and state officials to support significant economic growth. This is the largest economic development project in Ameren Missouri’s service territory, and our new large load rate structure is designed to ensure we continue to deliver safe, reliable electric service for all customers at the lowest cost possible, with robust protections and generational benefits for the communities we serve.”
Martin J. Lyons Jr., Chairman, President, And Chief Executive Officer Of Ameren Corporation
“NECAC is very excited to partner with Google and have the opportunity to weatherize more homes and make them energy efficient. Our core mission has always been to empower low-income families and strengthen our neighborhoods, and central to this is ensuring home energy costs are truly affordable. With this partnership, we are directly addressing the burden of high utility bills through vital home repairs and upgrades, while investing in our future workforce.”
Carla Potts, Deputy Director Of Housing Development Programs, North East Community Action Corporation
“You can’t build the infrastructure of the future without investing in the workforce of today. Google understands that meaningful community investment means supporting the local workers. This collaboration significantly expands our ability to recruit, train, and graduate the next generation of construction craft laborers. By aligning technical infrastructure projects with robust workforce programs, we are creating family-sustaining career opportunities that strengthen local communities, support working families, and fuel Missouri’s economy for generations to come.”
Brandon Flinn, Business Manager, Missouri-Kansas Laborers’ District Council
“For years, our community has worked strategically to prepare for transformational investment opportunities like this, and today that vision is becoming a reality. Google’s decision to invest in a new data center here is a testament to the strength of our infrastructure, workforce, leadership, and long-term economic development planning. Beyond the immediate construction activity and high-quality jobs this project will create, the long-term tax revenues generated by this investment will provide meaningful support for our local schools, public services, and community priorities for decades to come. This project represents more than economic growth , it is an investment in the future of our residents, students, and region as a whole.”
Brent Speight, Chairman, Greater Montgomery Economic Development Council
“Google’s continued growth in Missouri reflects both the strength of our state and the company’s long-term commitment to the communities where it operates. Across Missouri, Google has demonstrated that it is more than an industry leader , it is a strong corporate citizen that invests in local partnerships, workforce development, and community impact. This investment in Montgomery County represents another significant milestone for our state and reinforces Missouri’s position as a leading destination for technology and innovation.”
Subash Alias, CEO Of Missouri Partnership
