Kansas City, Missouri – Governor Mike Parson has recently unveiled that Google plans to establish a new $1 billion data center in Kansas City, Missouri, marking a major technological and economic boost for the region. This initiative is expected to create up to 1,300 jobs and underscores Missouri’s growing appeal to leading global corporations.
Google’s Strategic Move to Missouri
The decision by Google to locate its first Missouri data center in Kansas City’s Hunt Midwest Business Center is a significant development for the state’s high-tech sector. Governor Parson highlighted Missouri’s skilled workforce, superior infrastructure, and prime business climate as key factors attracting world-class companies like Google. This move is anticipated to have a substantial positive impact on the region’s technology landscape.
Google’s investment extends beyond the physical data center, contributing to the region’s workforce and energy infrastructure. The data center is designed to support Google’s expanding cloud business and will power popular digital services, including Google Docs, Maps, Search, Gmail, and more.
In an effort to support the data center’s operations with clean energy, Google has partnered with Ranger Power and D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) to provide 400 megawatts of new, carbon-free energy. This initiative reflects Google’s commitment to sustainability and technological innovation.
Read also: Kansas City steps up climate action with Bloomberg’s American Sustainable Cities initiative
Monique Picou, Global Vice President of Cloud Supply Chain and Operations at Google, emphasized the significance of data centers in driving tech innovation, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence (AI). She praised the Kansas City community for its resources, talent, and welcoming spirit, envisioning a collaborative future that propels America’s digital progress.
Empowering Local Communities Through Education and Training
Further solidifying its commitment to the region, Google announced plans to extend a skilled trade career development program to Kansas City. This includes a $100,000 contribution to the North Kansas City School District’s STEAM center, aimed at enriching science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education.
Read also: MoDOT to host job fair in Wayland offering multiple full-time positions
Additionally, Google’s Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program will be introduced to the area, in partnership with the Missouri Works Initiative and Urban League, to bolster the talent pipeline for skilled trades. These educational and training initiatives are designed to prepare the local workforce for the high-tech jobs of the future.
Michelle Hataway, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development, lauded Google’s investment as a testament to Missouri’s economic strengths and the effectiveness of collaborative partnerships. This historic project joins a list of innovative companies contributing to the prosperity of Missourians, setting a precedent for future technological and economic growth in the state.
For more details on Google’s initiatives in Missouri, visit www.economicimpact.google/state/mo/.
