Amazon is expanding its footprint in Pennsylvania, announcing a $20 billion pledge to broaden support for data centers and AI infrastructure in the state. According to Governor Josh Shapiro, the investment marks the largest that Pennsylvania has received from the private sector on record.
The commitment will build multiple innovation center campuses, with Falls Township and Salem Township among the first locations targeted. Also, more communities in the Keystone State are under consideration, according to Amazon.
The funding will also support thousands of new jobs within Amazon Web Services' data center segment, as well as create another 1,250 "high-skilled" employment opportunities, according to a statement from the e-commerce giant.
Recommended For You
Moreover, Amazon will be implementing programs as part of the investment, including ones that target training centers for cloud computing infrastructure, technicians, education, workforce leaders, fiber optics and learning opportunities for students wanting to get involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Moreover, the Seattle-based firm is deploying the Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Fund, with a $250,000 commitment to support grants related to STEM, health, digital skills, education and the environment.
"Our team worked closely with local leaders and Amazon to land this deal, and we continue to be actively engaged on securing additional sites in Pennsylvania—helping them secure local support, developing the infrastructure needed to support more data centers, and ensuring our permitting processes move quickly and efficiently," Shapiro said in a statement.
"With this historic announcement, we’re creating opportunity for our workers, generating new revenue for our local communities, and ensuring the future of AI runs right through Pennsylvania."
According to Amazon, it has invested more than $26 billion in Pennsylvania since 2010. The investments have resulted in 27,000 jobs and 37,100 indirect positions.
The Pennsylvania expansion represents the tech giant's latest expansion into the data center sector. In January, Amazon Web Services announced that it would invest a projected $11 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure and cloud computing in Georgia to expand its data center presence. It's expected to create 550 new jobs. Additionally, the Web Services unit acquired a 1,200-acre campus in Berwick, PA, last year.
While obtaining power can present a challenge to operating data centers, a recent report from Colliers expects the sector to continue experiencing robust growth. Raul Saavedra, vice chair and head of data center advisory for the Americas at Colliers, noted that investors are exploring renewable energy sources to meet industry demand. Moreover, Goldman Sachs’ projections indicate that firms will spend more than $1 trillion on AI-related infrastructure over the next several years.
© Touchpoint Markets, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more inforrmation visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
Anthony Russo
Anthony Russo has been contributing to GlobeSt. since July 2024. Along with CRE, his financial background expands to capital markets, the economy, and consumer issues. Previously, he has written for CapitalWatch and was a senior reporter for The US Sun.
