Google deepens Missouri roots through new data center and community investments
$15 billion investment to create thousands of jobs in Montgomery County
On Wednesday, May 20, Google announced plans for a new $15 billion infrastructure investment in New Florence, Missouri. Centered around a new data center, the investment aims to benefit the local community through expanded energy affordability programs, thousands of new jobs in the region and more.
Governor Mike Kehoe talks about the importance of Google's newest data center project in Missouri.
“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,” said Gov. 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.”
Due to the size of the project, Google's data center in New Florence will be subject to Ameren Missouri's Powering Missouri Growth Plan. Containing strict consumer protection measures, the company's plan to support large data centers requires these customers to pay upfront 100% of all costs associated with hooking up to the energy grid. Even if they use less energy than expected, the plan requires these large customers to pay a minimum monthly demand change of at least 80% of their maximum requested electric demand. The plan stems from 2025's Senate Bill 4, passed by the Missouri General Assembly and signed into law by the governor.
Data centers are not new to the Show-Me State, they have often operated in plain sight. According to the Data Center Coalition, the industry contributed more than $1 billion in tax revenue to state and local governments throughout Missouri in 2024, including $13.5 billion to the state's GDP. In the same year, the group reported that the data center industry supported more than 22,500 direct jobs in the state.
“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 CEO 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.”
As a part of their investment, Google also announced a $20 million Energy Impact Fund to support programs that drive down monthly energy bills for households in Missouri. The fund will focus on Montgomery, Clay, Platte and other counties surrounding Google's planned data centers in Kansas City and New Florence. One of the first fund recipients will be North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC), which will undertake critical home repairs and energy efficiency upgrades in and around Montgomery County. Funding will also support the NECAC Weatherization Apprenticeship program by expanding its capacity and providing new equipment and tools to repair crews.
According to Google, their data center projects serve as powerful economic engines, with every job created generating nine additional ones throughout the area. The company believes the data center project in New Florence will create thousands of construction jobs over the lifetime of the project and hundreds of direct, long-term operational roles once the facility is up and running.
To help prepare for these skilled job opportunities, Google is collaborating with the Construction Laborers and Contractors Joint Training Fund of Eastern Missouri to support the Laborers and Contractors Training Center. This project will enable the center to train more than 2,300 construction laborers, including 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, Missouri-Kansas Laborers' District Council. "Google understands that meaningful community investment means supporting the local workers. This collaboration significantly expands our ability to recruit, train and graduate the next generation of construction craft laborers. By aligning technical infrastructure projects with robust workforce programs, we are creating family-sustaining career opportunities that strengthen local communities, support working families, and fuel Missouri’s economy for generations to come."
To learn more about Google's approach to data centers and their commitment to communities that house these projects, please visit datacenters.google.