BY SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — Google announced Monday that it will invest $1.5 billion to expand its Jackson County data center campus over the next two years, marking one of the largest economic development investments in Northeast Alabama history.
The expansion will take place throughout 2026 and 2027 and is expected to strengthen Alabama’s growing role in the technology and artificial intelligence sectors. The investment builds on Google’s existing presence in Jackson County, where the company has invested more than $2 billion since establishing data center operations in the region.
Company officials said the project will increase computing capacity while supporting the growing demand for cloud services, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure. Google also emphasized that local residents will not bear the costs of powering the expanded facility.
“In line with its support for the White House’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, Google will pay for 100% of the power it uses,” the company said. “When Google builds new data centers, including its Jackson County expansion, it will also cover the infrastructure costs directly driven by its operations.”
Economic development leaders say the investment will generate significant construction activity and create opportunities for contractors, suppliers, and skilled workers across Northeast Alabama. The project also reinforces Jackson County’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced technology infrastructure.
Google’s Alabama campus, located on the site of the former Widows Creek power plant, has become an important part of the company’s nationwide network of data centers. Supporters say the latest expansion demonstrates confidence in Alabama’s workforce, infrastructure, and business climate.