Google has announced a historic $15 billion investment in a data center development in Montgomery County, Missouri.
“Today, we announced a historic $15 BILLION investment in Missouri from Google. This project is about more than infrastructure in Montgomery County—it’s about connectivity. Connecting communities to opportunity, workers to good-paying jobs, and Missouri to the future economy,” said Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe.
The development will be located approximately one hour west of St. Louis on over 900 acres near the Interstate 70 and Highway 19 interchange, adjacent to a site where Amazon previously committed to building a $35 billion data center. Materials published by Montgomery County describe a multi-building campus designed with closed-loop, non-evaporative air cooling technology intended to limit water usage and reduce environmental impact.
Data centers have faced pushback from local communities nationwide, with water and electricity concerns being common. The St. Charles City Council voted on Tuesday to ban data center development in their city.
Kehoe added: “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.”
Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, stated: “We look forward to expanding Google’s investments in Missouri and helping Missourians benefit from the next wave of American innovation.”
Porat also noted that the project includes a commitment to workforce development and energy affordability, which will provide thousands of Missourians with valuable technical and trade skills while supporting energy affordability for residents.
The county reported that every direct job at the center will create nine additional jobs in the community. Google plans to collaborate with the Construction Laborers and Contractors Joint Training Fund of Eastern Missouri to support training for more than 2,300 construction workers over the next two years.
This announcement follows concerns from community members regarding an additional Amazon Web Services data center in the county. Montgomery County commissioners approved tax abatements for that project in December 2025. Town halls held that month drew large crowds of residents opposed to the project.
In February, a community group filed a lawsuit alleging that Montgomery County commissioners violated the Missouri Sunshine Law by failing to provide adequate notice of meetings regarding the Amazon data center project, not disclosing specific details about water usage for the facility, and holding closed-door sessions without transparency. The lawsuit seeks to halt the project until sufficient information is made available. A hearing on the case is scheduled for June 1.