AWS to invest $10B to build two new data centers in Mississippi

Amazon Web Services Inc. has announced plans to invest $10 billion to build two new data center complexes in Mississippi, with the project expected to create at least 1,000 new jobs in the state.

The data centers are planned to be built in two Madison County industrial parks, with the financial backing of the Mississippi state government. It’s investing $44 million in the project, primarily for workforce training, and $215.1 million for local public infrastructure to support infrastructure needs where the data centers are being built.

“Since 2011, AWS has invested more than $108 billion in its infrastructure across the U.S. to support customers of all kinds and across all industries in their digital transformation,” Roger Wehner, AWS’ director of economic development, said in a statement Thursday. “Building on this, we are excited to expand our operations into Mississippi through this planned $10 billion investment, which will tap into the burgeoning tech sector across the state to create new, well-paying jobs and boost the state’s gross domestic product each year.”

As part of the investment, AWS is also committing to boost STEAM, or science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, awareness and learning in Mississippi’s K-12 schools, community colleges and universities. Programs such as “We Build it Better” and “We Will Build it Better” will engage students in practical STEAM environments, using industry-grade tools to simulate real-world scenarios.

Additionally, AWS initiatives will support the development of training programs in community colleges and other educational institutions. The programs, including fiber optic fusion splicing and information infrastructure workshops, are designed to equip individuals with skills relevant to data center construction and operations and the broadband industry.

The new data centers in Mississippi are not Amazon’s first investment in the state. Amazon has invested $2.3 billion in Mississippi since 2010, including infrastructure and compensation to employees, has added $2 billion to state GDP and has created 5,500 full- and part-time jobs and 9,000 indirect jobs. Governor Tate Reeves noted at a special session of the state house on Jan. 25 that the AWS project will be the largest-ever capital investment in state history.

Image: AWS