Missouri – Missouri’s push to attract next-generation technology took a major step forward Wednesday, when Google announced a $15 billion infrastructure investment in New Florence during a community celebration in Montgomery County.
The project, described by state officials as historic, will expand local infrastructure capacity while tying Google’s growth in Missouri to jobs, workforce training, energy affordability, and community partnerships. The development is expected to create thousands of construction jobs during the buildout and hundreds of permanent operational roles once the facility is running.
Governor Mike Kehoe said the announcement reflects Missouri’s rising profile as a destination for innovation and advanced technology.
“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,” Kehoe said.
“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.”
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Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, said the company’s Missouri expansion is also focused on helping residents prepare for future opportunities.
“We look forward to expanding Google’s investments in Missouri and helping Missourians benefit from the next wave of American innovation,” Porat said.
She added that Google is investing in workforce development and energy affordability through direct efforts and local partnerships.
A key piece of the plan involves training workers for skilled construction and trade jobs. Google is working with the Construction Laborers and Contractors Joint Training Fund of Eastern Missouri to support the Laborers and Contractors Training Center. The effort is expected to help train more than 2,300 construction laborers, including 1,500 apprentices, over the next two years.
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Those efforts build on Google’s Skilled Trades and Readiness Program in Kansas City, where nearly 130 Missourians have already graduated, with most now working in construction or trade-related roles. Google is also supporting a new workforce development facility in Kansas City and expanding K-12 STEAM programs.
Energy use is another major part of the project. Under Missouri consumer protections in Senate Bill 4, signed by Governor Kehoe in 2025, Google will pay for all power used by the data center and any new infrastructure costs directly tied to its operations. The company has also announced a $20 million Energy Impact Fund to help reduce monthly energy bills for households in Montgomery, Clay, Platte, and nearby counties.
Google said the Montgomery County data center will use advanced air-cooling technology, limiting water use mainly to needs such as kitchens. More information about Google’s data center communities is available at datacenters.google and g.co/economicimpact/missouri.
