Amazon Web Services (AWS) is making one of its largest infrastructure bets to date, announcing $30 billion in new data center investments across two states as part of a sweeping effort to scale its artificial intelligence and cloud computing capabilities.
The bulk of that capital, $20 billion, will go to Pennsylvania, marking the largest private investment in the state’s history, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro. Another $10 billion will fund new data centers in North Carolina’s Richmond County, just east of Charlotte.
The Pennsylvania initiative will include the development of multiple AWS innovation campuses, beginning in Salem Township and Falls Township. The project is expected to generate at least 1,250 full-time tech and operations jobs in fields such as data center management, cybersecurity, and network engineering. Thousands more will be employed indirectly in construction and logistics.
“Amazon’s multi-billion-dollar investment in Pennsylvania reinforces our dedication to advancing AI innovation while creating lasting economic opportunities in the state,” said David Zapolsky, Amazon’s chief global affairs and legal officer. “By expanding our cloud computing infrastructure, we’re investing in Pennsylvania’s future through new jobs, workforce development programs, and community initiatives.”
The company also announced a $250,000 Amazon Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Fund to support local education, sustainability, health, and digital skills initiatives. Workforce development will be a key component of both projects, with Amazon partnering with local schools and colleges to launch programs in STEM education, fiber optic splicing, and data center technician training.
In North Carolina, AWS’s $10 billion investment will fund the construction of new data centers expected to create at least 500 direct jobs. Amazon will collaborate with community colleges to offer training in cloud computing, data infrastructure, and network security, aiming to build a sustainable local talent pipeline.
Construction in both states is set to begin later this year.
“These projects reflect Amazon’s long-term commitment to building out the infrastructure that supports AI and digital transformation across industries,” Zapolsky said. “As we expand, we’re investing not only in data infrastructure but in the communities, we call home.”
The twin announcements signal a major step forward in Amazon’s bid to cement its leadership in high-performance cloud and AI infrastructure as demand soars from both public and private sectors.
Since 2010, Amazon has invested over $26 billion in Pennsylvania and $12 billion in North Carolina. Combined, the company says its activities in the two states have supported more than 77,000 jobs and significantly boosted local economies through its fulfillment, logistics, and renewable energy operations.
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