Amazon Commits $12 Billion to Build AI Data Centers in Louisiana

Amazon announced Monday it will spend $12 billion to build a network of state-of-the-art data center campuses in northwest Louisiana, part of its growing push to power artificial intelligence and cloud services.

The company said the investment will fund multiple data center campuses across Caddo and Bossier Parishes, marking the company’s first large-scale data center presence in the state. The facilities will support the infrastructure needed to run cloud workloads and advanced AI systems as demand for computing power continues to climb.

The project is expected to create 540 full-time jobs at the sites and support roughly 1,700 additional roles in the broader community, including electricians, HVAC technicians, engineers, security staff, and operations specialists.

State and local leaders say the project could deliver long-term economic gains, including new tax revenue to support schools, public services, and infrastructure.

“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,” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said in a statement.

Amazon is partnering with STACK Infrastructure to develop and construct the campuses. The company estimates the buildout could support up to 1,500 construction jobs during the development phase.

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Power, water, and infrastructure commitments

Large data centers often raise concerns about energy and water use. Amazon said it will pay “100% of the costs” associated with new and upgraded power infrastructure, working with local utility Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO).

The company also plans to invest up to $400 million in public water infrastructure and said the facilities will use only verified surplus water. Most of the year, cooling will rely on outside air, with water used primarily during peak summer heat.

Amazon has also backed solar projects in Louisiana that could add up to 200 megawatts of carbon-free energy to the grid.

This $12 billion project is part of a massive global spending spree. Amazon is projected to spend around $200 billion this year alone to build out the backbone of the modern internet. While other tech companies have faced local pushback elsewhere, Amazon is leaning into community support here with a new $250,000 Northwest Louisiana Community Fund to support local STEM education and veterans.

Also read: The scramble for power, permits, and financing is why many mega data center projects are now facing delays or cancellations.