New Data Center, Energy Infrastructure and Workforce Development
NEW FLORENCE, Mo. (May 21, 2026) — Google has announced a $15 billion investment in Missouri that includes construction of a new data center in Montgomery County, along with major investments in energy infrastructure, workforce development and community initiatives expected to create thousands of jobs and strengthen Missouri’s position as a growing hub for technology and digital infrastructure.
The investment was unveiled during a community celebration at the Laborers and Contractors Training Center in New Florence and represents one of the largest technology infrastructure projects in Missouri history. Beyond construction of a new data center campus, the initiative combines large-scale capital investment with long-term commitments to energy affordability, workforce preparation and community development.
“This historic investment in Montgomery County is a testament to Missouri’s growing reputation as a premier destination for innovation and next-generation technology,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “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.”
Google officials said the company’s strategy is designed to connect infrastructure expansion with broader investments that directly benefit Missouri communities.
“We look forward to expanding Google’s investments in Missouri and helping Missourians benefit from the next wave of American innovation,” said Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google. “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.”
Energy Infrastructure and Affordability Investments
Google noted that it directly pays for the energy consumed by its facilities and covers infrastructure costs resulting from its operations.
To date, the company has contracted for more than one gigawatt of new energy generation capacity in Missouri and, through partnerships with Ameren, is supporting development of more than 500 additional megawatts of capacity. Google also collaborated with Ameren and Evergy to establish Missouri’s Capacity Commitment Framework, intended to ensure large-scale users contribute to infrastructure costs while helping protect local ratepayers and strengthen long-term grid resiliency.
“Google’s major investment in Montgomery County reflects what’s possible through strong partnerships with local and state officials to support significant economic growth,” said Martin J. Lyons Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ameren Corporation. “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.”
Google also announced a $20 million Energy Impact Fund to support programs aimed at reducing household energy costs throughout Missouri, particularly in communities surrounding planned data center locations in New Florence and Kansas City.
One of the first organizations receiving support will be North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC), which plans to use funding for home repairs, energy-efficiency upgrades and expansion of its weatherization apprenticeship efforts.
“NECAC is very excited to partner with Google and have the opportunity to weatherize more homes and make them energy efficient,” said Carla Potts, Deputy Director of Housing Development Programs for North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC). “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.”
Job Creation and Workforce Development
Google data centers often create broad economic impacts beyond direct employment, with company officials noting that each direct position can support nearly nine additional jobs in related industries, including construction, HVAC services, maintenance and landscaping.
The Montgomery County project is expected to create thousands of construction jobs during development and hundreds of direct, long-term operational positions after completion.
“We are proud to welcome Google’s investment in our community,” said Ryan Poston, Montgomery County Presiding Commissioner. “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.”
To prepare workers for future opportunities, Google is partnering with the Construction Laborers and Contractors Joint Training Fund of Eastern Missouri to support expanded capabilities at the Laborers and Contractors Training Center.
The initiative will allow the center to train more than 2,300 construction laborers, including approximately 1,500 apprentices, over the next two years.
“You can’t build the infrastructure of the future without investing in the workforce of today,” said Brandon Flinn, Business Manager of the Missouri-Kansas Laborers’ District Council. “Google understands that meaningful community investment means supporting local workers. This collaboration significantly expands our ability to recruit, train and graduate the next generation of construction craft laborers.”
Google said the investment complements the company’s Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) Program in Kansas City, which has already helped nearly 130 Missourians begin careers in construction and skilled trades.
Community and Long-Term Investment
Google also highlighted sustainability initiatives associated with the project, including advanced air-cooling technology designed to minimize water usage at the Montgomery County facility. Additional watershed efforts are intended to help protect surface and groundwater resources.
The company also announced plans to support a mobile sensory and accessibility resource center that will travel to festivals, schools, sporting events and community gatherings throughout Missouri.
“For years, our community has worked strategically to prepare for transformational investment opportunities like this, and today that vision is becoming a reality,” said Brent Speight, Chairman of the Greater Montgomery Economic Development Council. “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.”
“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,” said Subash Alias, Chief Executive Officer of Missouri Partnership. “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 project will deliver lasting economic benefits through new investment, support for local businesses and meaningful community partnerships that help create opportunities for Missourians,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “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.”
