BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Amazon has announced its plan to invest at least $20 billion in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) facilities in Pennsylvania.
The first two locations to be identified for the development are Salem Township, Luzerne County, and Falls Township in Bucks County.
"Pennsylvania is competing again, and I'm proud to announce that with Amazon's commitment of at least $20 billion to build new state-of-the-art data center campuses across our Commonwealth, we have secured the largest private sector investment in the history of Pennsylvania," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "This initial investment from Amazon will create thousands of good-paying, stable jobs as Pennsylvania workers build, maintain, and operate the first two data center campuses in Luzerne County and Bucks County. 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. 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."
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Shapiro says this is the largest capital investment in Pennsylvania's history, and these centers are expected to create 1,250 high-paying tech jobs.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's most comprehensive and widely used cloud service, according to a media release by the governor's office.
"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. We look forward to helping drive the next generation of technology innovation, while delivering meaningful benefits for Pennsylvania residents."
Shapiro says Amazon has already invested more than $26 billion in Pennsylvania since 2010 in the form of infrastructure and employee compensation at fulfillment centers and delivery stations.
“I’m grateful to Amazon, Governor Shapiro, and leaders across all levels of government for working to secure this historic investment for the Commonwealth. Our state’s vast energy resources, combined with our skilled workforce, plentiful water, proximity to major population centers, and elite research institutions, make Pennsylvania a perfect base to power America’s innovative technological future through data centers like these,” said Senator Dave McCormick, who was also in attendance. “This investment will create thousands of jobs and bring critical workforce training programs to Pennsylvania.”
We will have much more on this story tonight on 28/22 News.
