Alphabet’s Google (GOOG) is investing $15 billion to build new infrastructure in Montgomery County, Missouri, marking one of the largest technology investments in the state’s history as demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing capacity accelerates.
The project, centered in New Florence, Missouri, will create thousands of construction jobs during the buildout phase and hundreds of permanent operational positions once the facility enters service, according to the company and Missouri officials.
Governor Mike Kehoe described the development as a major boost for Missouri’s economy and innovation sector, while Google President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat said the company plans to expand workforce development and energy affordability initiatives alongside the infrastructure rollout.
The announcement highlights the rapidly growing energy footprint of hyperscale data centers as major technology firms race to secure computing power for AI applications. Utilities across the United States have seen surging electricity demand forecasts tied to data center expansion, particularly in the Midwest and Southeast.
Google said it has already contracted more than 1 gigawatt of new generation capacity in Missouri and is supporting the development of an additional 500 megawatts through partnerships with utility companies, including Ameren.
The company also emphasized that, under Missouri legislation signed in 2025, it will cover 100% of the power costs and infrastructure expenses directly tied to the data center’s operations.
Ameren Chairman and CEO Martin Lyons called the project the largest economic development initiative in the utility’s Missouri service territory.
In parallel with the infrastructure investment, Google announced a $20 million Energy Impact Fund aimed at reducing household energy costs in communities surrounding its Missouri operations, including Montgomery, Clay, and Platte counties.
Part of the funding will support home weatherization and efficiency upgrades through the North East Community Action Corporation, while additional investments will expand construction apprenticeship and skilled trades training programs across the state.
Google said the Montgomery County facility will rely primarily on advanced air-cooling systems to minimize water use, limiting consumption largely to non-industrial needs such as kitchens.
The investment comes as hyperscalers, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta, continue deploying billions of dollars into data center infrastructure nationwide amid mounting AI-driven electricity demand and growing scrutiny over grid reliability, power costs, and water usage.
