KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri economic development leaders gathered Thursday at Union Station to announce plans to build a massive data-storage facility for Meta in Kansas City, Missouri.
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, selected the Kansas City region for a new hyper-scale data center.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas were among those present for the announcement.
“We are here today to make a bigger announcement than Tyreek Hill’s trade,” Parson joked in his initial remarks.
Meta will invest $800 million in the nearly 1 million-square-foot facility, which will bring around 100 new jobs to the area.
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The project also will generate another 1,300 construction jobs at its peak.
Parson called it one of the largest investments in state history.
“Kansas City is the fastest-growing tech market in the United States,” Parson said.
He said that Meta recognized that when making the choice.
Parson also said Missouri ranks 10th in the U.S. for women in technology and KCMO ranks 10th in the U.S. for best business climates.
“This is why we’re on the right track here in Missouri,” he said.
Mayor Quinton Lucas announced that the data center will be built in the city's second district, which is in the Northland and stretches from near Liberty to up around the Kansas City International Airport.
"To see what we've got in our future here is just beyond belief," Councilwoman Teresa Loar said. "This is it. This is the big one."
The facility will be located in the district she represents.
Renderings presented show the center will be constructed at the northeast corner of Interstate 435 and U.S. 169.
Meta officials said the facility will use renewable energy sources like wind and solar and will use 80% less water than the industry standard.
The deal has been in the works for three-and-a-half years, according to those present.
Darcy Nothnagle of Meta said the construction will also result in the company launching their Community Action Grants Program to address community connectivity needs and support S.T.E.M. education for area students.
"Your company is built on human connection," Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council said to Meta officials present. "You're finding out Kansas City is all about relationships."
He asked Meta to think about Kansas City for more projects in the future.
