Dive Brief:
- Amazon plans to build a $12 billion multi-site data center campus across Caddo and Bossier Parishes in Louisiana, according to a company news release.
- The investment marks Amazon's first data center footprint in Louisiana, with construction expected to start in the coming weeks, per a Louisiana Economic Development release.
- Amazon’s intent to build in Louisiana marks a trend, as several other major builders have begun multibillion dollar data center projects in the state for high-profile clients.
Dive Insight:
The announcement arrives as data center planning held strong to start the year.
For example, Dallas-based Jacobs recently started the first phase of a $10 billion Hut 8 data center in West Feliciana Parish. Hut 8, a Miami-based energy infrastructure company, expects the facility to begin operations in the second quarter of 2027.
Elsewhere, about 150 miles south from that site, New York City-based Turner, Redwood City, California-based DPR and Minneapolis-based Mortenson will build Meta’s $10 billion data center near Monroe. The project ranks as Meta’s largest investment yet in its artificial intelligence portfolio, according to the company.
Regarding Amazon’s plan, construction will span interconnected campuses in both Caddo and Bossier Parishes. This multi-campus design supports continuous services and reliable operations, while encouraging investment to both parishes, according to the Louisiana Economic Development.
“It represents more than a significant economic win,” said Justyn Dixon, president and CEO of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership. “By spanning both sides of the Red River, this project quite literally bridges our communities and ensures opportunity flows across the entire region.”
The investment also includes $400 million for local water infrastructure and a $250,000 community fund to support STEM education and local projects in the region, according to Amazon.
The facility will only use verified surplus water, which is water that exceeds what the community requires for current needs. That will ensure no strain on local water supplies, according to the tech company.
“Amazon’s $12 billion investment in northwest Louisiana will build next-generation data center campuses to support AI and cloud computing, ensuring opportunities for local communities,” said David Zapolsky, chief global affairs and legal officer at Amazon, in the release. “We’re creating hundreds of high-paying jobs and making substantial investments in local infrastructure.”
Amazon will partner with Denver-based STACK Infrastructure, the developer and owner of the campuses, to lead the construction and development of the data center project. It will also work with the local utility, Southwestern Electric Power Company, to ensure the company pays 100% of the expenses for new energy infrastructure, according to the Louisiana Economic Development release.
