Google to invest more than $1 billion in Iowa

SIOUX CITY, Iowa ( KCAU ) — Google has announced plans to invest $1 billion in Iowa this year at an event at the data center in Council Bluffs.

According to a release, the investment is intended to support its two sites in Council Bluffs while expanding infrastructure in southwest Iowa.

Additionally, another $1.3 million will be dedicated to a Missouri River Basin grade stabilization project in collaboration with the Great Outdoors Foundation and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

“Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to Council Bluffs and the state of Iowa,” said VP Joe Kava with the Global Data Centers at Google. “As we continue to develop and deploy AI solutions across our products, particularly within Google Cloud, our infrastructure is what brings these innovations to people locally and globally. 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.”

The Iowa cloud region is part of Google Cloud’s global network that works to deliver high-performance and low-latency services to large enterprises, startups, and public sector organizations such as Hy-Vee, Inc., Casey’s, and Corteva, according to the release.

“Our partnership with Google empowers Hy-Vee to connect with our customers in a way that’s relevant to each unique community we serve,” Chief Information Officer for Hy-Vee Brian Young said. “Google Cloud provides a flexible, scalable foundation that enables us to deliver customized digital experiences while implementing advanced tools to help protect customer data. This collaboration is key to our mission of making lives easier, healthier, and happier.”

The release noted that Iowa customers benefit from these services through high security, data residency, and standards, including specific data storage requirements.

As part of the $1.3 million grant to the Great Outdoors Foundation, the Missouri River Base Grade Stabilization Project will reduce surface runoff and erosion and improve flood protection, surface and groundwater quality, and overall aquatic habitat.

“Google’s investment in our Conservation Acceleration Fund exemplifies the efficacy and potency of public-private partnerships,” CEO of the Great Outdoors Foundation Hannah Inman said. “Of course, 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. Iowa has the potential to lead the way in protecting our natural resources now, and for generations to come.”

The release also noted that the Grade Outdoors Foundation will implement the project at 47 sites in partnership with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, various Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Drank University.

“Today, we’re seeing once again just how attractive advantages like low taxes, affordable cost of doing business, and a population known for its work ethic are to one of the world’s most prominent companies,” Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said. “It’s my pleasure to join the Google team to celebrate its historic $1 billion investment in its data center, and $1.3 million contribution for water quality projects in Iowa, as well as to express my appreciation for the strong partnership that has made these exciting announcements possible.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.