RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Joe Kava, the Global Vice President of Data Centers for Google, joined notable Nevada figures like Brian Sandoval, and Governor Joe Lombardo to announce that the company will be investing over $400 million to support their cloud and data infrastructure.
“Our long-term presence in Nevada reflects our dedication to innovation and economic growth,” said Kava. “By investing in our technical infrastructure and supporting local organizations, we’re not only enhancing our ability to meet growing demand for Google Cloud and AI, but also contributing to the state’s vitality.”
The investment from Google is going to help meet demand for AI innovators, Google Cloud, and other digital products on common things like using apps. The $400 million will be going towards data centers in Storey and Clark County, where they say, the most demand is.
“We talked about creating a new Nevada, where this state would be a tech and innovation hub not just for the country, but for the world. Today’s announcement for me is that next great chapter in the great state of Nevada,” said UNR President, Brian Sandoval.
Not only that, but Ben Townsend, the Global Head of Data Center Sustainability for Google, made a separate announcement saying the company will also contribute $500 thousand to the National Forest Foundation. This donation in particular is meant to increase resilience of the Truckee River watershed while reducing wildfire risk to Tahoe National Forest.
“This project is focused on removing invasive species as well as surplus wood material so we can prevent and manage wild fires,” Townsend said.
This builds on the company’s commitment to improving local watershed health where its office campuses and data centers are located, including areas experiencing water stress like Storey and Clark Counties, by aiming to replenish 120% of the water it consumes. Google has invested more than $4.7 million in water stewardship projects in the Las Vegas Valley and Lower Colorado River Basin, and in 2023, replenished more water to the Colorado River Basin than the freshwater consumed at its Clark County data center.
Clark County is home to part of Google Cloud’s global network of 40 regions that delivers services to large enterprises, startups, and public sector organizations. Governor Joe Lombardo says these investments will help push Nevada to a more prosperous economic future.
“This investment further cements our state’s reputation as a new tech capitol of the west and supports my strategic plan to attract high paying jobs. Google’s commitment extends beyond economic contributions to include substantial support for community and environmental initiatives,” Lombardo said.
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