KEY TAKEAWAYS: $12 billion investment in first Louisiana data center campuses 540 direct jobs and 1,700 indirect positions expected Partnership with STACK Infrastructure creating up to 1,500 construction jobs Investment supports AI, cloud computing, and regional infrastructure improvements   Amazon is set to invest $12 billion in new data center campuses in Caddo and Bossier parishes, marking the company’s first facilities in Louisiana and a major boost to the region’s economy. The project is expected to create 540 direct jobs and support an additional 1,700 positions across the local community. Construction is slated to begin in the coming weeks on interconnected campuses designed to support cloud computing and artificial intelligence operations. Amazon said the multi-campus approach ensures continuous service and reliable operations while generating significant new tax revenue for local schools, infrastructure, and public services. “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. The project will be developed in partnership with STACK Infrastructure, which will oversee construction and expects to employ up to 1,500 workers during the build phase. STACK Americas CEO Matt VanderZanden said the project “creates long-term, positive impacts” for the region while strengthening local contractor and supplier opportunities. Amazon executives emphasized that the investment aligns with increasing demand for AI and cloud computing nationwide. David Zapolsky, Amazon’s chief global affairs and legal officer, said the project will provide “hundreds of high-paying jobs and substantial investments in local infrastructure.” The Louisiana expansion builds on Amazon’s existing 16-year footprint in the state, which includes fulfillment and sortation centers, delivery stations, Whole Foods locations, and solar energy projects contributing to the state’s power grid. From 2010 to 2024, Amazon invested over $4.7 billion in Louisiana, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs. State officials highlighted the broader economic impact. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois noted that Amazon’s project activates local supply chains and expands high-wage career opportunities. North Louisiana Economic Partnership President Justyn Dixon said the multi-parish project “bridges our communities and ensures opportunity flows across the entire region.” The data center initiative also includes a commitment to local infrastructure improvements. Amazon will cover the full cost of energy infrastructure upgrades in coordination with Southwestern Electric Power Company, enhancing grid reliability for regional customers. The project is supported by Louisiana’s competitive incentives, including workforce development programs through LED FastStart and tax exemptions for high-impact jobs and data centers. Amazon Web Services, the company’s cloud division, said the investment will strengthen the U.S. technology backbone for generative AI and advanced cloud infrastructure, helping customers across industries accelerate innovation. Construction will roll out in phases over the coming years, with on-site operations expected to begin incrementally as facilities are completed. Local businesses and workers can register for contracting and hiring opportunities through SourceLouisiana.com. According to the news release, the $12 billion investment cements Louisiana’s growing role as a hub for technology, cloud computing, and AI infrastructure, highlighting the state’s ability to attract large-scale, high-tech projects that benefit both the economy and local communities. ...read more read less