Google announced its plans to invest $1 billion into its Iowa facilities. It also announced it will contribute $1.3 million towards water quality projects in the Hawkeye state.
Google made the announcement at its Council Bluffs data center campus on Tuesday.
"Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to Council Bluffs and the state of Iowa,” Joe Kava, Google vice president of global data centers, said in a news release. “For more than 15 years, the collaborative community here in Council Bluffs has been our partner in delivering the latest digital technology to the world. We look forward to continuing our work together to keep Iowa a digital leader for years to come.”
Google's Council Bluffs data center complex was built in 2007 and opened in 2009. A second was opened in 2013. Since the Council Bluffs centers were established, Google has invested more than $5.5 billion into the facilities.
"Whether it’s supporting our schools, local nonprofits, or the entire community through building out the BLink network, Google has worked to bring economic opportunity to all who live here," Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh said. "Today’s continued and monumental investment announcement underscores its dedication to Council Bluffs is as strong as ever, and I look forward to continued collaboration.”
The $1 billion investment will go toward the Council Bluffs facility. In 2022, Google announced its plans to spend $600 million towards expansion.
“I applaud Google’s planned investment of more than $1 billion in its data center campus in Council Bluffs. This decision will create jobs, grow our economy, and support our communities,” said U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra. “I appreciate Google’s long-time commitment to the families of Council Bluffs. I look forward to continue working with Google to promote economic growth, strengthen our workforce, and keep Iowa a leader in digital technology and infrastructure.”
Google boasts of generating $1.8 billion worth of economic activity for small businesses in the state just in 2023. Read Google's Iowa 2023 report here.
“Today, we’re seeing once again just how attractive advantages like low taxes, affordable cost of doing business, and a population known for its strong work ethic are to one of the world’s most prominent companies,” Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said.
Google isn't just investing in the data center, however. According to the release, Google is committed to improving local watershed health where its office campuses and data centers are located and aims to replenish around 120% of the water it consumes.
The company also plans to contribute $1.3 million towards a Missouri River Basin stabilization project in collaboration with the Great Outdoors Foundation and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
"This will have a tremendous impact on the watersheds in the immediate footprint of the initiative, but more than that, it will impact the quality of water flowing into the Missouri River, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico, all critical to vibrant communities across our nation," said Great Outdoors Foundation CEO Hannah Inman.
The project aims to reduce surface runoff and erosion and improve flood protection, groundwater quality and Iowa's aquatic habitats.
The project will be implemented at 47 different sites in partnership with the Iowa Department of Agriculture, local soil and water conservation districts and Drake University.
"Iowa has the potential to lead the way in protecting our natural resources now, and for generations to come,” Inman said.
Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@dmreg.com.
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