Google Breaks Ground on $600 Million Data Center in Alabama
Bridgeport, Alabama – Google has officially launched the construction of a $600 million data center in Bridgeport, Alabama with a groundbreaking ceremony at the site in Jackson County. This project is expected to create as many as 100 full-time jobs and create massive economic ripples in the area.
Google announced that the data center in Bridgeport will serve as a hub for Internet traffic, integral to the network that keeps the company’s search engine and other internet-based products functioning around the clock. The project was initially announced in June 2015.
Dr. Nan Boden, senior director and head of Global Technology Partners for Google Cloud, stated, “Google is committed to investing in Jackson County to create new economic and educational opportunities for the people of Alabama and the surrounding region. As a native Alabamian, I am so proud to be part of the effort to bring this Google data center to life in the coming months and years.”
This data center will be Alabama’s first large-scale data center and is expected to create between 75 and 100 highly technical jobs, with potential for growth in the future.
Governor Kay Ivey praised the investment by Google, stating, “As one of the world’s most dynamic and innovative technology companies, Google’s products touch billions of people across the globe every single day. We’re proud that Alabama is playing an important role in Google’s future growth, and we look forward to seeing this data center operation help power that growth.”
The data center is being constructed on 360 acres adjacent to the old Widows Creek coal-fired power plant, which was decommissioned in 2015 by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) after decades of operation. TVA is working with Google to provide renewable energy to fully match the facility’s power usage.
Google announced that the data center in Jackson County will feature state-of-the-art energy efficiency, marking it as the company’s 14th data center globally and the eighth in the U.S.
Mayor David “Bubba” Hughes of Bridgeport expressed enthusiasm about Google’s presence in the community, stating, “Having Google in our community will bring great jobs and offer real opportunities for our young people. Google is a generous supporter of schools, and the company’s presence will help us recruit other high-tech companies. No doubt about it — this a game-changer for us.”
The construction of the data center is expected to have a massive economic impact on the area and add a new dimension to Jackson County’s economy, which currently has a heavy concentration of manufacturers producing items ranging from carpets to auto parts.
Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, commented, “Google is a company that has an international reputation for excellence. This particular project has so much meaning not only for Jackson County but also for the state of Alabama. What is really going to be more important is the future of Google in Alabama because we hope this is just the beginning.”
Google selected the Jackson County site due to the right combination of energy infrastructure and developable land. Both state and local officials worked diligently to forge a partnership with the company and advance the data center project.
U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) lauded the groundbreaking of the data center, stating, “It’s great to see companies like Google recognize what we in the Tennessee Valley have known all along — that we have a tremendous pool of talent in Northern Alabama and that this is a wonderful place to live and work.”
As part of its commitment to local communities, Google announced a $100,000 donation to the Jackson County School District for the growth and development of the region’s student STEM programs.
Furthermore, Google is repurposing the Widows Creek site and committing to match 100 percent of their electricity consumption at the Alabama data center with renewable energy purchases, showcasing their commitment to renewable energy.
TVA president and CEO Bill Johnson praised the collaboration that led to the project, stating, “The milestone we celebrate today is the result of government, business and community leaders working together with TVA to bring good jobs and quality investment to our region. Google’s newest facility on the site of TVA’s former fossil plant at Widows Creek ensures that this storied location continues to be a landmark for technology and economic development for the people of North Alabama.”
Overall, the construction of Google’s data center in Alabama marks a significant milestone in the state’s economic development and technology sector, with the potential to bring about long-term benefits for the local community and the state as a whole.
This new facility is part of Google’s larger investment in the Southeast, with data centers also located in Florida, Virginia, Texas, and Tennessee. Google’s expansion in the region shows the company’s commitment to supporting local communities and creating opportunities for residents.
The Alabama data center will provide cloud services to businesses and consumers, helping to improve internet connectivity and support digital innovation. Google’s investment in the state reflects the growing demand for data centers and technology infrastructure across the country.