Hunter
06/02/25
Google announced a huge investment in Iowa to expand its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The Gazette reports the $7 billion project more than doubles the $6.8 billion the company has already invested in the state since 2007.
Google is building a new $576 million data center in southwest Cedar Rapids, which is expected to employ over 1200 construction workers and about 100 employees once it opens. They also plan to expand its cloud and AI infrastructure in Council Bluffs and provide funding for workforce development programs.
The company plans on spending half a million dollars to train existing electrical workers and more than 700 apprentices in Iowa by 2030, increasing the number of new electrical workers.
Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google, said in 2024, the company helped provide more than $2.1 billion of economic activity for tens of thousands of Iowa businesses, publishers, nonprofits, creators and developers that use Google’s tools at no cost to make bookings, direct connections with customers and grow their businesses.
Google plans to have the current Cedar Rapids building complete by next year, and three other buildings will be added to the site, employing construction workers over the next several years.