Amazon plans to invest US$ 12 billion in northwest Louisiana to build multiple data center campuses in Caddo and Bossier Parishes, expanding its cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure in the region.
According to a press release, the campuses will use verified surplus water and are expected to rely on water-based cooling for less than 13 percent of the year, using outside air for the remainder.
Jeff Landry, Governor Louisiana, said, “Amazon is making a long-term commitment to Louisiana because our state delivers—prime sites, strong infrastructure and a skilled, hard-working workforce ready to support the next generation of technological innovation.”
David Zapolsky, chief global affairs and legal officer, Amazon, said, “Amazon’s US$ 12 billion investment in northwest Louisiana will build next-generation data center campuses to support AI and cloud computing, ensuring opportunities for local communities,”
Amazon will cover 100 percent of the costs for new energy infrastructure required for the campuses in coordination with Southwestern Electric Power Company. The company has also backed solar projects in Louisiana that together generate up to 200 MW of carbon-free energy.
The project aims to create 540 direct full-time positions at the data centers, and support an estimated 1,710 additional full-time equivalent jobs across the local economy. Roles are expected to include electricians, HVAC technicians, engineers, network specialists, operations managers and security staff.
Amazon is partnering with STACK Infrastructure to develop the sites. STACK estimates construction could support up to 1,500 jobs. Amazon said it plans to invest up to US$ 400 million in public water infrastructure improvements tied to the project.
