Lead photo courtesy of Amazon

Amazon and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro both announced June 9 that Amazon is making a $20 billion investment to build two data center complexes in Pennsylvania on June 9, establishing a network of cloud computing and AI innovation campuses.

According to The Associated Press, one data center is being built next to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant in northeastern Pennsylvania, where it will draw power. The other, located at the Keystone Trade Center in Fairless Hills on a former U.S. Steel mill site, will be powered by the electricity grid. Salem Township and Falls Township are the first confirmed sites for the new campuses, with several other Pennsylvania communities also being considered.

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The investment is expected to create at least 1,250 jobs, including roles such as data center engineers, network specialists and operations managers. It will also support thousands of construction, supply chain and other local community jobs.

“Amazon’s multi-billion-dollar investment in Pennsylvania reinforces our dedication to advancing AI innovation while creating lasting economic opportunities in the state,” Amazon Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer David Zapolsky said in a news release. “By expanding our cloud computing infrastructure, we’re investing in Pennsylvania’s future through new jobs, workforce development programs and community initiatives.

At a news conference in Berwick, PA, Gov. Shapiro announced the project as the largest private-sector investment in Pennsylvania’s history.

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“This initial investment from Amazon will create thousands of good-paying, stable jobs as Pennsylvania workers build, maintain and operate the first two data center campuses in Luzerne County and Bucks County,” Shapiro said. “Our team worked closely with local leaders and Amazon to land this deal, and we continue to be actively engaged on securing additional sites in Pennsylvania – helping them secure local support, developing the infrastructure needed to support more data centers, and ensuring our permitting processes move quickly and efficiently.

Amazon said that, since 2010, it has invested $26 billion in Pennsylvania, contributing to the state’s GDP and supporting 27,000 direct jobs, along with 37,100 indirect jobs across a range of facilities.