Amazon has announced a record-breaking $20 billion investment in creating artificial intelligence data centers in rural Pennsylvania, marking the largest corporate investment made in the state’s history. The investment will be centered in Salem Township and Falls Township in the Berwick area.
According to Amazon Vice President of Public Policy Shannon Kellogg, the investment is part of the company’s nationwide tech expansion strategy. Kellogg stated that the investment will impact not only the local communities but also other towns and counties in Pennsylvania. The data centers will be built with multiple sites, creating jobs and economic opportunities for the area.
Kellogg emphasized the importance of coordination with President Donald Trump’s administration, citing executive orders aimed at spurring continued data center investment across the US. The administration has policies to streamline permitting processes and expand power generation and transmission.
The investment comes as data-center power demand is expected to triple by 2028. Amazon plans to engage with local communities from the beginning of the project, addressing concerns and issues that may arise. The company aims to achieve sustainable operations, including a “water-positive goal” for all its communities by 2030.
Amazon has also announced a $250,000 in-communities fund to support non-profits in the area. The company is investing in workforce development and skills development programs to create jobs and improve local institutions.
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-tech/amazon-announces-20b-investment-rural-pennsylvania-ai-data-centers