Overview
- Google disclosed Wednesday that it will invest $15 billion to develop a New Florence data center and related infrastructure in Montgomery County, Missouri.
- The company has contracted more than 1 gigawatt of new generation in the state and agreed with Ameren to develop an additional 500 megawatts, moves that will raise local electricity demand and require grid planning.
- A 2025 Missouri law requires the company to pay 100% of electricity and directly related infrastructure costs for the facility, which state officials say protects local utility ratepayers from the project’s energy bills.
- Officials expect roughly 2,000 construction jobs and about 200 permanent positions, and Google is launching a $20 million Energy Impact Fund for household energy relief, weatherization, and workforce training while county leaders weigh a 70% personal property tax abatement tied to a proposed $10 million annual payment.
- Some residents have raised concerns about electricity prices, water use and transparency, county commissioners have scheduled a June 8 hearing on incentive terms, and Google has not yet released a detailed construction or permitting timeline.