TLDR: Google is investing $9 billion over the next two years to bolster its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Oklahoma, including new data centers and significant workforce development programs aimed at fostering AI leadership and creating jobs.
Google has announced a substantial investment of $9 billion over the next two years to significantly expand its cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure within Oklahoma. This strategic financial commitment is designed to drive the expansion of cloud and AI capabilities, support data center growth, and foster robust workforce development initiatives across the state.
The investment will facilitate the development of a new data center campus in Stillwater, with phase one anticipated to be completed by 2027. Additionally, it will support the expansion of Google’s existing facility in Pryor, which is already recognized as the company’s second-largest data center globally. While the Stillwater facility is projected to create between 100 and 150 permanent operational jobs, including technical and non-technical roles such as security and building maintenance, the broader investment aims to generate thousands of jobs through direct employment and indirect economic activity.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt expressed strong support for the initiative, stating, ‘I don’t know if you guys all caught that, but $9 billion dollars is a big number, right?’ He emphasized Google’s role as a valuable partner in the state’s ambition to become a leader in AI infrastructure. Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet and Google, highlighted the overarching goal: ‘All of these investments are designed to help ensure the U.S. continues to lead in AI, while unlocking economic opportunity and creating good jobs across Oklahoma.’ She further remarked that the objective is to power a ‘new era of American innovation,’ with Oklahoma proving to be a generous partner.
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A significant portion of this investment is earmarked for education and workforce training programs. Google’s ‘AI for Education Accelerator’ program, launched recently, will provide free access to Google Career Certificates and AI training courses for students and the public, with the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University being among the first institutions to participate. Furthermore, Google is funding innovative programs with the Electrical Training ALLIANCE to enhance the number of skilled electrical workers in Oklahoma, aiming to increase the workforce in this sector by 135%. This comprehensive approach is intended to equip Oklahoma students with critical AI and work-ready skills, thereby creating a talent pipeline essential for the state’s future and bolstering American AI leadership.
