Google has announced plan to invest $1.5 billion during 2026 and 2027 in Jackson County to expand its data center campus and create new energy affordability and community education initiatives.
Google has been in Jackson County since 2018. The data center is located on the site of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s retired Widows Creek coal plant. It was Google’s 14th site globally at the time it was originally announced, according to the company’s website.
As part of the expansion, Google is funding 100% of its own power and infrastructure costs. During the expansion construction, Google anticipates more than 1,000 contract workers will be needed on site.
“Sustainable growth is only possible when a community thrives alongside it,” said Thomas Gamble, Southern Corridor Area lead, Google. “Our continued expansion in Alabama is driven by a long-term vision of shared success. By investing heavily in the students, small businesses and local organizations that form the backbone of Jackson County, Google aims to build a foundation of opportunity that will benefit the region long after construction is complete.”
Google announced a $2 million Energy Impact Fund to support programs that drive down monthly energy bills for local families. In partnership with TVA and the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, the fund will support weatherization and energy efficiency services for local schools and income-qualified households, primarily in Jackson County.
Google also is donating $550,000 to fund STEM kits for children in grades 4-8 across Jackson County School District. These kits build on STEM education Google already provides in Jackson and DeKalb counties, such as robotics events for students in fifth through eighth grades, the Kevin Dukes Career & Innovation Academy and the YouScience aptitude program for high schoolers.
“Sustained investment in local classrooms is vital to helping students identify their strengths and career pathways early,” said Jason Davidson, superintendent of the Jackson County School District. “From supporting regional robotics events to funding critical programs like YouScience, Google’s partnership is helping the district transition towards high-tech, future-ready education.”
Google also has committed to replenishing more water than it consumes. In Jackson County, Google has supported The Nature Conservancy’s efforts to restore the Paint Rock River Watershed, a biodiverse area degraded by excess sediment from eroding streambanks. The initiative stabilized three priority eroding sites through revegetation and slope recontouring, which stopped soil displacement and improved water quality.
