LINCOLN — Google officials visited Nebraska on Monday to celebrate a $930 million investment in the state this year, which includes funding for three data centers: operational facilities in Omaha and Papillion, and a new center under construction in Lincoln. This year’s investment brings Google’s total capital investment in Nebraska to $4.4 billion, according to Karen Dahut, CEO of Google Public Sector.
“These data centers are crucial for supporting our government customers, particularly in the national security sector, and for advancing Google’s technological initiatives,” Dahut explained.
As part of its community efforts, Google announced donations of $250,000 to the University of Nebraska and $100,000 to the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools. University President Jeffrey Gold said the funds will help expand Nebraska’s new artificial intelligence bachelor’s program, one of the first of its kind in the state. He noted that these dollars will be used to integrate generative AI and machine learning across education, research, and outreach programs, providing a strong foundation for growth.
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird highlighted that Google’s contribution to the LPS Foundation will support the Spark Summer Learning program, a STEAM-focused camp for elementary students. She added that the new $600 million Lincoln data center will create hundreds of construction jobs and dozens of permanent, well-paid positions.
The Lincoln center, located on 600 acres near the 56th Street exit on Interstate 80, is expected to become operational within 12 months, employing at least 30 people initially. Plans indicate the facility could expand to 2 million square feet over time. Google acquired the land for $18.6 million and applied for $600 million in state tax incentives.
Since breaking ground on its first Nebraska data center in Papillion in 2019, Google has created 120 jobs at its facilities, which include another data center in northwest Omaha. These campuses are part of Google’s global network of 41 cloud regions serving businesses, startups, and public-sector organizations.
Dahut also emphasized Google’s environmental initiatives, including replenishing 120% of the water its data centers consume and leveraging over 1,000 megawatts of carbon-free electricity through partnerships with Omaha Public Power District.
U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts praised Google’s investments, calling Nebraska a fitting location in the heart of the “Silicon Prairie.” He commended the synergy between Nebraska’s hardworking residents, its role in supporting national security through Offutt Air Force Base, and Google’s vision for economic and technological growth. “This investment will continue to strengthen the great relationship between Nebraska and Google,” Ricketts said.
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