PRYOR, Okla. — Google officially announced a $9 billion investment to expand its existing data center in Pryor and build a brand-new facility in Stillwater.
The announcement has drawn praise from state and local leaders and raised questions about why Google chose Oklahoma for such a major expansion.
According to Kate Franko, head of public affairs for Google Data Centers in Oklahoma, the state offers a unique blend of benefits.
“We look for available land, available resources, and available workforce, and Oklahoma has the magic combination of all three,” Franko said.
The $9 billion will be dispersed over the next two years, and the initiative isn’t just about infrastructure. Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer at Alphabet and Google, highlighted the broader economic and workforce impact of the investment.
“We’re also investing in electrical workers who will build and maintain facilities like these,” Porat said. “I’m really proud that we’re also announcing a new grant to support the Electrical Training Alliance, which will increase the projected pipeline of new electrical workers in Oklahoma by 135%.”
Mayors from both Pryor and Stillwater expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities the project brings to their communities.
“We celebrate not just the growth of a company but the growth of a partnership,” said Zac Doyle, mayor of Pryor. “One that makes Pryor smarter and better connected than ever.”
“Stillwater has long been a cradle of education,” added Will Joyce, mayor of Stillwater. “Add in a thriving business community, a well-trained workforce, and passionate community investors, and the sky is the limit for our city.”
Gov. Kevin Stitt emphasized the state’s commitment to environmental responsibility throughout the development.
“They’re going to go through the normal permitting process — the air permits, Department of Environmental Quality, even the EPA. They won’t cut any corners. We’ll make sure they do it the correct way,” Stitt said.
The Stillwater data center is expected to be completed between late 2027 and early 2028, and create hundreds of new jobs.
