Google to expand AI and data center in Oklahoma with $9B investment
PRYOR, Okla. (KFOR) — Google announced on Wednesday afternoon that it will be investing $9 billion in Oklahoma for cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure, along with education programs, and to expand Google's workforce in the Sooner State.
Google says they have plans to bring a new energy-efficient data center to Stillwater and to expand its existing campus in Pryor.
Oklahoma leaders and members of the community gathered for this announcement at the Google Data Center in Pryor on Wednesday.
“Oklahoma is the most business-friendly state in the country,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “Google’s decision to open another data center here is proof. Google has been a valuable partner in everything from economic development to workforce education. I’m grateful for their investment in our state, and I’m looking forward to the great jobs they continue to create as we work to become the best state for AI infrastructure.”
Google is making training and Google AI tools available to all College students in the state.
They are launching a partnership with Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma to prepare students with "AI and job-readiness skills."
"Since Google opened its first data center in 2011, they’ve continued to be great partners with their contribution to the community,” said Pryor Mayor Zac Doyle. “Not only has Google brought hundreds of jobs, economic growth, and billions in investment, but they continue to support our schools and nonprofits with much-needed funding and resources, creating a tremendous impact for Pryor. Their expansion announcement today marks a new chapter in our city’s success story.”
EtA, along with Google.org, says that it will be funding the integration of AI tools into training programs and boost the number of Oklahoma electrical worker apprentices. This will train current electrical workers, including more than 160 apprentices, by 2030.
For more information about Google in Oklahoma, click here.