JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — Google has announced plans to invest $1.5 billion to expand its data center campus in Jackson County, bringing additional jobs, community investments and educational opportunities to the region, according to WAAY-TV.
The investment will be made over the next two years, with funding spread across 2026 and 2027. Google has operated in Jackson County since 2018, with its data center campus beginning operations in 2019 on the site of the former Tennessee Valley Authority Widows Creek coal plant.
State Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston praised Google’s continued commitment to the area.
“Strong partnerships between industry and local communities are the foundation of regional prosperity,” Livingston said. “From funding STEM education initiatives to supporting critical energy affordability programs, Google has consistently demonstrated a deep dedication to Jackson County.”
The data center was developed using infrastructure left behind from the retired coal plant, allowing Google to repurpose existing electric transmission lines while supporting the addition of cleaner energy resources to the power grid.
As part of the expansion announcement, Google unveiled a new $2 million Energy Impact Fund designed to help lower energy costs for local families. The program will be administered in partnership with TVA and the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama and will provide weatherization and energy-efficiency improvements for schools and income-qualified households, primarily in Jackson County.
“This funding will significantly expand our capacity to provide weatherization and energy efficiency services in Jackson County, helping more families lower their utility costs and live in more energy-efficient homes,” said Luke Laney, executive director of the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama.
Google also announced a $550,000 investment in STEM education. The funding will provide hands-on STEM kits to students in grades 4 through 8 throughout the Jackson County School District, helping students develop technical skills and prepare for future careers in technology and related fields.
“Sustained investment in local classrooms is vital to helping students identify their strengths and career pathways early,” said Jackson County School District Superintendent Jason Davidson. “Google’s partnership is helping the district transition toward high-tech, future-ready education and creating pathways to high-demand careers right here in Alabama.”
Google said it has contributed more than $28 million to Alabama nonprofit organizations since 2009. In addition, company employees have volunteered more than 6,000 hours with nonprofits across the state since 2016.
The Jackson County data center already supports hundreds of full-time jobs, and more than 1,000 contract workers are typically employed during major construction phases. Company officials said the latest expansion will build on that economic impact while continuing investments in local communities.
