Amazon: Driving Construction Jobs & Utility Upgrades

Amazon has announced plans to invest US$12bn in northwest Louisiana to develop its first data centre campuses in the state. This expansion of its US cloud and AI infrastructure footprint spans Caddo and Bossier Parishes.

The project will support Amazon Web Services cloud computing technologies and AI workloads. Amazon says the development creates 540 full-time data centre roles and support a further 1,710 full-time equivalent positions in the wider community.

These roles will include electricians, HVAC technicians, project engineers, network specialists, operations managers and security specialists. This recruitment drive reflects the technical complexity of hyperscale campus operations.

"Louisiana brings strong infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a commitment to innovation," says Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services (AWS), writing on LinkedIn. "We’re proud to deepen our partnership with the state as we continue expanding the cloud and AI capabilities customers rely on every day."

Upgrading energy infrastructure networks

To support the energy demands of the new facilities, Amazon has worked with local utility Southwestern Electric Power Company. This collaboration ensures Amazon covers 100% of the costs associated with new energy infrastructure required for the campuses.

This involves grid upgrades and additional capacity to serve the sites without impacting existing ratepayers. In parallel with the physical construction, Amazon has invested in solar projects in Louisiana.

These projects bring up to 200MW of new carbon-free energy onto the grid. The company says this increases overall energy supply and supports long-term electricity affordability in the region.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry says: “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.

“Investments of this magnitude put Louisiana at the centre of operations relied on across the country and connect our communities to jobs that power how Americans live, work and do business.”

Amazon's Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer David Zapolsky adds: “Amazon's US$12bn investment in northwest Louisiana will build next-generation data centre campuses to support AI and cloud computing, ensuring opportunities for local communities.

“We're creating hundreds of high-paying jobs and making substantial investments in local infrastructure to serve customers. We're grateful for our strong partnerships with local leaders and proud to deepen our commitment to Louisiana.”

Partnering on campus construction

The delivery of the physical infrastructure relies on a strategic partnership. Amazon partners with STACK Infrastructure (STACK) to develop and construct the campuses.

According to STACK, the project is expected to support up to 1,500 construction jobs. This creates demand for local contractors, skilled trades and suppliers within the region.

CEO of STACK Americas Matt VanderZanden says: “STACK is proud to partner with Amazon, the State of Louisiana, and local stakeholders to responsibly develop the digital infrastructure supporting this significant expansion.

“This development reflects our commitment to investing at scale in ways that support long-term operations, strengthen local systems, and contribute to sustained regional growth.”

The scale of the build could have broader economic implications for the region. Justyn Dixon, Economic Development Director of the North Louisiana Economic Development Partnership, highlights the projected tax revenues that will support schools, infrastructure and public services.

“Amazon’s continued investment in northwest Louisiana, alongside STACK Infrastructure, is transformational, building upon our region’s strength as a destination for innovation and technology,” Justyn says.

“Now we are bringing hundreds of high-paying jobs, millions in tax revenue for our schools, and proof that northwest Louisiana competes on the global stage. When we compete and win as one region, we create jobs, strengthen families, and build long-term prosperity.”

The scale of the build could have broader economic implications for the region. Justyn Dixon, Economic Development Director of the North Louisiana Economic Development Partnership, highlights the projected tax revenues that will support schools, infrastructure and public services.

“Amazon’s continued investment in northwest Louisiana, alongside STACK Infrastructure, is transformational, building upon our region’s strength as a destination for innovation and technology,” Justyn says.

“Now we are bringing hundreds of high-paying jobs, millions in tax revenue for our schools, and proof that northwest Louisiana competes on the global stage. When we compete and win as one region, we create jobs, strengthen families, and build long-term prosperity.”

Developing water infrastructure systems

The construction plan includes significant civil engineering elements regarding water management. The campuses will use verified surplus water, which is water that exceeds current community requirements.

Due to the local climate, water-based cooling is expected to be required for less than 13% of the year during peak summer temperatures. For the remaining 87% of the year, the data centres will use outside air for cooling.

Amazon states this approach can reduce electricity demand by 25-35% during periods when regional grid loads are highest. To facilitate these operations, Amazon plans to invest up to US$400m in public water and sewer infrastructure.

This investment aims to enhance efficiency and resilience. The company is also working on water-positive initiatives aligned with its goal to return more water to communities than it uses in direct operations by 2030.

Alongside the physical infrastructure, Amazon is launching a US$250,000 Northwest Louisiana Community Fund.

Grants of up to US$10,000 will support STEM education, sustainability initiatives, health and wellbeing programmes, veterans support and local priorities across Caddo and Bossier Parishes.

The Louisiana expansion builds on Amazon’s existing footprint in the state, utilising new construction to extend its hyperscale data centre network.

This investment aims to enhance efficiency and resilience. The company is also working on water-positive initiatives aligned with its goal to return more water to communities than it uses in direct operations by 2030.

Alongside the physical infrastructure, Amazon is launching a US$250,000 Northwest Louisiana Community Fund.

Grants of up to US$10,000 will support STEM education, sustainability initiatives, health and wellbeing programmes, veterans support and local priorities across Caddo and Bossier Parishes.

The Louisiana expansion builds on Amazon’s existing footprint in the state, utilizing new construction to extend its hyperscale data centre network.