Kristina Roberts
Big news has come for the people of Oklahoma. Google, one of the biggest technology companies in the world, has announced that it will invest $9 billion in the state over the next two years. The money will be used mainly to grow artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and to support new training programs for workers. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Ruth Porat, who is Google’s president and chief investment officer.
Porat explained that part of the money will go to expanding Google’s existing data center in Pryor, located in the Mid-America Industrial Park. This center has been an important part of Google’s work for many years, and it is now set to become even bigger. Along with that, Google also plans to build another large data center in Stillwater, which will be the company’s second one in Oklahoma. According to Porat, the Stillwater center alone will use up about a third of the entire $9 billion budget.
Google first arrived in Mayes County back in 2007. At that time, not many people could have guessed how big the company’s presence in the state would become. Over the years, the Pryor data center has grown so much that it is now Google’s second largest out of its 29 centers across the globe. These data centers may sound complicated, but in simple terms, they are the powerful buildings filled with computers that help keep Google running. Everything from its famous search engine to other Google products and services depend on the work done in these data centers.
When talking about the new investment, Porat highlighted how important Oklahoma has become for Google’s journey. “We are deepening our roots here in Oklahoma, and we’re advancing our work to ensure Oklahoma is an engine of growth with all the opportunities technology can offer,” she said. “I firmly believe all of us are really privileged to be living in this time in history.” Her words reflected both pride and excitement, not just about the growth of Google, but also about the opportunities it could create for the local people.
During the announcement, the words “a new era of American innovation” were displayed on the wall behind Porat. The letters “AI” were written in capital letters, making it clear that artificial intelligence is at the heart of this new chapter. This simple display summed up what Google wants to focus on — using AI to create new tools, ideas, and chances for people to benefit from technology.
Porat also made sure to thank Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, who was present during the announcement. She showed appreciation for the governor’s work in setting up a task force in 2023. The task force was created to study both the good sides and the risks of using AI in government activities. After doing its research, the group recommended that Oklahoma should continue to invest in AI because of its strong potential.
Governor Stitt himself spoke with enthusiasm about Google’s plans. He shared that he was happy to sign a law earlier this year that makes it easier for companies like Google to build and manage their own sources of power. In his words, this law allows them to generate power “behind the meter,” which means they can directly create and use energy for their centers instead of depending completely on outside suppliers. For a company like Google, which runs massive buildings full of high-powered computers, having reliable and efficient energy is very important.
This investment is not only about technology and machines; it is also about people. Google has promised to fund training for electricians and other workers who will be needed to keep these advanced centers running smoothly. These kinds of jobs are essential because data centers rely on complex electrical systems. By supporting training, Google is also supporting the local community by preparing workers for high-demand, well-paying jobs. It shows that the company is thinking beyond just its own growth and is looking to lift up the people who live in the areas where it operates.
For Oklahoma, this move could bring big changes. The state has long been known for its energy industry and open land, but now it is becoming a key player in the technology world. Having one of the world’s largest tech companies pour billions of dollars into building infrastructure is more than just a business project — it is a signal to other companies that Oklahoma can be a place for innovation and progress.
It is also worth noting how Google’s presence has grown steadily since 2007. What started as one data center has now expanded into something much larger. With the new center in Stillwater and the expanded one in Pryor, Oklahoma is becoming central to Google’s long-term plans. This shows that the company believes in the potential of the state and its people.
The story of this investment is really about looking forward. Technology is moving faster than ever before, especially with AI becoming a part of our daily lives in ways that many of us may not even notice. Google’s leaders believe that Oklahoma can play a major role in this exciting journey. The billions being spent are not just for machines and buildings, but also for creating a foundation where ideas, skills, and communities can grow together.
While big numbers like $9 billion can feel overwhelming, the human side of the story is just as important. It means new jobs for workers, new opportunities for students, and new chances for small businesses around these centers to grow. It also means that young people in Oklahoma may now dream of being part of the global tech industry without having to leave their home state.
Porat’s words about being privileged to live in this moment remind us that history is being written right now. The way technology grows in the next few years will shape the lives of millions, and Oklahoma is now part of that future. With Google’s plans, the state is not only hosting some of the world’s most advanced technology but is also opening doors for its people to step into new roles in a changing world.
In the end, this investment is about more than just Google or Oklahoma. It represents a bigger idea — that technology can connect places, create opportunities, and bring people together in ways that were once impossible. Whether you live in a big city or a small town, the changes happening in Oklahoma are proof that innovation can happen anywhere. And when companies and communities work together, the possibilities are endless.
