This week, Google announced a new $15 billion investment in building infrastructure in Missouri, including a new data center in New Florence, Montgomery County. This investment is built on a commitment to build data centers the right way — through responsibly increasing local infrastructure capacity, expanding energy affordability programs, and funding thousands of jobs.
“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,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “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.”
Many of the thousands of high-quality jobs this project creates will support people and families in the St. Louis region. In a recent op-ed advocating for welcoming responsibly planned data centers, Greater St. Louis, Inc. Managing Partner Ron Kitchens states that St. Louis is standing at a critical economic crossroads — and that these projects can change the trajectory of our region if we approach them in the right way.
“We are talking about billions of dollars in investment capable of materially changing the trajectory of local government revenues, school funding capacity, infrastructure modernization, and regional competitiveness,” he wrote. “Too often, the national discussion treats data centers as isolated real estate projects instead of what they truly are: foundational infrastructure for the future economy.”