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Google has revealed its plan for a new data center in Kansas City’s Northland, marking its first venture into Missouri.
The project, scheduled for development just east of Worlds of Fun, is a significant step in the company’s artificial intelligence initiatives.
Expected to generate over 1,000 construction jobs, the site’s impact extends beyond its physical footprint. Monique Picou, Google’s global vice president of cloud supply chain and operations, emphasized the broader economic benefits, projecting a total of more than 1,400 jobs, including those in logistics and warehousing operations.
Kansas City Data Center Will Support Google’s AI Innovations
Highlighting the role of AI in shaping the future, Picou expressed Google’s commitment to driving progress while fostering local prosperity. The data center is expected to support Google’s AI innovations and improve its cloud business, serving as a vital infrastructure component for digital services like Google Cloud, Workspace, Search, and Maps.
While details regarding public incentives remain undisclosed, officials emphasized the collaborative efforts that facilitated Google’s decision to establish its presence in Kansas City. Ora Reynolds, president and CEO of Hunt Midwest, credited a decade-long vision and supportive legislation for attracting such investments.
Acknowledging the significance of infrastructure in attracting businesses, Missouri Governor Mike Parson highlighted the state’s commitment to economic growth.
Beyond job creation, Google’s engagement extends to community development and education. By partnering with local entities, Google plans to expand its Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program to the region, and provide training opportunities for entry-level positions in skilled trades.
Moreover, Google’s investment includes a substantial contribution to the North Kansas City School District’s STEAM center, aimed at equipping students with essential skills for the future job market. Superintendent Rochel Daniels hailed the collaboration as a means to bridge the gap between education and real-world challenges.
The Kansas City data center announcement comes amidst the controversial news of America’s power shortage. As we already wrote, the root of this crisis stems from the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and cloud computing, which fuel the development of enormous data centers that consume vast amounts of electricity.