PRYOR -- Search engine giant Google, whose Pryor facility is the second-largest data center in the world, announced Wednesday that it is expanding its footprint in Oklahoma, investing an additional $9 billion into the state during the next two years. 

Google said the funds would be earmarked for a new data center in Stillwater, an expansion of the company’s Pryor campus, cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, as well as expanded workforce development and education programs. 

“I don’t know if you all caught that, but 9 billion dollars is a big number, right?” said Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, drawing applause from an estimated crowd of 200 attending a news conference at the company’s Pryor facility.

“…Power is an essential part of what we see right here, to power the world. We want to win this AI race against maybe our competitors around the world, and Google is certainly leading in that. They are showing up to places like Oklahoma.”

The company detailed how it will help catalyze this next chapter of innovation in Oklahoma by funding an innovative program with the electrical training ALLIANCE(etA) to develop the labor force needed to build new energy infrastructure.

The initiative will train existing electrical workers and more than 160 apprentices in the state, increasing the projected pipeline of new electricians in Oklahoma by 135%.

“You guys continue to invest not only in these data centers but also the apprenticeship,” Stitt said. “…We’ve been talking a lot about how do we get the young people ready and get their careers launched to get them into a pathway that they’re designed for…For you guys to step up and create another 160 apprenticeships around electricians, we just think that’s amazing.”

Google’s education focus includes the recent launch of the Google AI for Education Accelerator, an initiative to offer free AI tools and training to every college student in the country. The first cohort of participating universities will include the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.

“I’m proud of the work Google is doing to ensure that the people of Oklahoma can gain fluency in AI and be the beneficiaries and the drivers of tomorrow’s opportunities,” Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google told the audience. “Growing up, there’s one thing that my father always said, ‘Education is a passport for life,’ and we firmly believe that at Google.”

Google opened its first data center in Pryor in 2011. Earlier this year, the company signed power purchase agreements that will add more than 700 megawatts of capacity to Oklahoma’s electricity grid to support its data center operations in the state.

“Not only has Google brought hundreds of jobs, economic growth, and billions in investment, they continue to support our schools and nonprofits with much-needed funding and resources, creating a tremendous impact for Pryor,” Pryor Mayor Zac Doyle said in a statement. “Their expansion announcement today marks a new chapter in our city’s success story.”

Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce also spoke at the news conference.

“This significant investment is a game-changer for Stillwater, bringing high-quality jobs, new opportunities for residents, and economic benefits for the entire region,” he said.  “We are excited to welcome Google and grateful for their commitment to our city, not only through their data center investment, but also as a member of our community.”