Google has announced a historic $15 billion investment in a new data center campus spanning more than 900 acres in Montgomery County, Missouri, near St. Louis. The project, located adjacent to the Interstate 70 and Highway 19 interchange, is described by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation.
In his statement, Kehoe emphasized that the development would “connect communities to opportunity, workers to good-paying jobs, and Missouri to the future economy.” Google’s President and Chief Investment Officer, Ruth Porat, highlighted plans to support workforce training for over 2,300 construction workers in Eastern Missouri over two years while promoting energy affordability.
The announcement has intensified community concerns following opposition to a separate Amazon Web Services data center project in the county. Montgomery County commissioners approved tax abatements for Amazon in December 2025 after large town halls drew widespread resident protests. A lawsuit filed by a local group alleges violations of Missouri’s Sunshine Law, claiming officials failed to provide adequate notice about meeting details or water usage specifics for both projects. The case is set for a hearing on June 1.
Residents have also raised alarms over potential strain on regional water resources and electricity infrastructure, with St. Charles City Council recently voting to ban similar data center developments in their jurisdiction. While Google’s campus utilizes closed-loop air cooling technology designed to minimize water consumption, community groups remain skeptical about its long-term environmental impact.
