Google’s recent announcement it intends to build two data centers in Muskogee, adding to an existing center in Pryor and construction of one in Stillwater is only a small example of the billions of dollars the company is spending in data centers across the country.
Consider its announcement last week of a plan to spend $40 billion on new data centers in Texas. Just several months ago, Google executives were in Oklahoma and joined Gov. Kevin Stitt to announce it will spend $9 billion in Oklahoma over the next two years.
Couple that with its other intended projects in other states.
- $4 billion in Arkansas
- $7 billion in Iowa
- $9 billion in Oklahoma
- $9 billion in South Carolina
- $9 billion in Virginia
Count it up and with the $40 billion Google wants to spend in Texas, it’s $58 billion in data center projects.
The announcements even made some national news in economist Stephen Moore’s “Unleash Prosperity Hotline.”
“We can’t help but notice these are all low-tax, right-to-work states. The company has not announced any comparable investment in its home state of California,” he wrote.
Google announced last week it will build two new data center campuses near the towns of Summit and Council Hill . It also has new agreements to add energy to the electricity grid.
Summit is a town in Muskogee County and was originally called “South Muskogee” when it was platted in 1910, and is one of 13 all-black towns still surviving at the beginning of the 21st century. It sits next to Muskogee.
Council Hill is a small community located south of Muskogee on U.S. Highway 72 known for its historical connection to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. It was named after a landmark that was the first capital of the Creek Nation in Indian Territory and was officially founded in 1905.
Muskogee Mayor Patrick Cale said the move will solidify the city’s position as a regional tech hub.
““Google is not only bringing strong economic development to our area, but their commitment to responsible resource use aligns with our water and energy stewardship goals, ensuring long-term sustainability.”
Muskogee County Commissioner Kenny Payne said the centers in his county will be transformational for the community.
“I’m grateful for the collaboration of local partners to make this opportunity a reality and look forward to the positive effects it will have on our community today and in the future.”