Google Invests Heavily in Iowa with $1 Billion Commitment

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Posted by Eileen Stewart July 8, 2024
Google Invests Heavily in Iowa with $1 Billion Commitment
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In a Council Bluffs data center event, Google revealed intentions to invest $1 billion in Iowa this year.

A announcement states that the investment would sustain the company’s two Council Bluffs locations while also developing southwest Iowa’s infrastructure.

A Missouri River Basin grade stabilization project in association with the Great Outdoors Foundation and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will also get an additional $1.3 million in funding.

“Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to Council Bluffs and the state of Iowa,”  VP Joe Kava with the Global Data Centers at Google stated. “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.”

According to the release, the Iowa cloud region is a component of Google Cloud’s worldwide network that strives to provide high-performance and low-latency services to startups, major corporations, and public sector organizations including Hy-Vee, Inc., Casey’s, and Corteva.

“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 stated. “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.”

According to the statement, rigorous security, data residency, and standards—including precise data storage requirements—benefit Iowan customers from these services.

The Missouri River Base Grade Stabilization Project would lessen surface runoff and erosion and enhance flood protection, surface and groundwater health, and overall aquatic habitat as part of the $1.3 million grant to the Great Outdoors Foundation.

“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 stated. “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.”

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The announcement also stated that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, many Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Drank University, and the Grade Outdoors Foundation will collaborate to carry out the initiative at 47 locations.

“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 stated. “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.”

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Eileen Stewart
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With more than two years of expertise in news and analysis, Eileen Stewart is a seasoned reporter. Eileen is a respected voice in this field, well-known for her sharp reporting and insightful analysis. Her writing covers a wide range of subjects, from politics to culture and more.