North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Google has announced plans to invest $1 billion over the next two years in North Carolina, including expansions to its Lenoir data center.
The tech giant has been in North Carolina for more than 15 years, operating a data center in Lenoir and an office in Durham.
“Google’s latest investment in the City of Lenoir and Caldwell County underscores a deep commitment to North Carolina’s continued growth and success,” said Mayor Joseph Gibbons. “This funding will enhance our workforce, expand economic development opportunities, and ensure North Carolina remains a leader in innovation.”
Along with the data center expansion, Google announced a $2 million Energy Impact Fund in collaboration with Blue Ridge Community Action, Blue Ridge Energy, and Advanced Energy. The fund will support energy efficiency, weatherization, and community solar programs for low- to moderate-income households and K‑12 schools in Caldwell County.
“This generous support from Google allows us to expand the reach of our community solar gardens,” said Jon Jacob, marketing director for Blue Ridge Energy. “It’s a perfect reflection of our cooperative spirit: members helping members, supported by a partner who shares our commitment to making life better for our local community.”
Google is also providing a $100,000 donation to the City of Lenoir for a high school renovation and a $270,000, three-year grant to Communities In Schools of Caldwell County, supporting the CISCC Workforce Development & Digital Equity Fund, partnering with Caldwell County Schools and Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute to remove financial and technological barriers for students pursuing vocational training.
More information on Google’s work in North Carolina is available at g.co/economicimpact/nc.