Amazon announced on Wednesday that it plans to invest $10 billion to launch a new high-tech cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation campus in Energy Way Industrial Park in Rockingham, Richmond County.
According to a press release from the company, the landmark investment is expected to create at least 500 new high-skilled jobs while supporting thousands of other jobs in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center supply chain.
The new jobs will range from data center engineers and network specialists to engineering operations managers, security specialists, and many more technical roles. In addition to these direct positions, the investment will support thousands of local construction jobs, positions in the data center supply chain, and other jobs in the local community.
Amazon said that Generative AI is driving increased demand for advanced cloud infrastructure and computing power, and their investment will support the future of AI from AWS data centers in the Tar Heel State, noting that this deployment of cutting-edge cloud computing infrastructure will strengthen North Carolina’s position as an innovation hub.
“Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work and innovate, and I am pleased that North Carolina will stay at the forefront of all that’s ahead as we continue to attract top technology companies like Amazon,” said Gov. Josh Stein in a press release. “Amazon’s investment is among the largest in state history and will bring hundreds of good-paying jobs and an economic boost to Richmond County.”
AWS is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud computing solution, and its data centers enable customers of all sizes and across all industries, such as automotive, health care, manufacturing, financial services, public sector, and more, to transform their businesses. The new data centers will contain computer servers, data storage drives, networking equipment, and other forms of technology infrastructure used to power cloud computing capabilities and generative AI technologies.
“Amazon’s $10 billion investment in North Carolina underscores our commitment to driving innovation and advancing the future of cloud computing and AI technologies,” said David Zapolsky, Amazon’s Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer. “This investment will position North Carolina as a hub for cutting-edge technology, create hundreds of high-skilled jobs, and drive significant economic growth. We look forward to partnering with state and local leaders, local suppliers, and educational institutions to nurture the next generation of talent.”
Amazon also promises training, education programs, community fund
Amazon also plans to bring training and education programs to local communities, including data center technician programs, fiber optic fusion splicing workshops, and STEM awareness and learning opportunities for K-12 schools.
In addition, the company is launching the Amazon Richmond County Community Fund with a $150,000 commitment for grants up to $10,000 to support STEM education, sustainability, economic development, workforce development, and community well-being.
Amazon said it has invested $12 billion in North Carolina since 2010, contributing $13 billion to the state’s GDP and supporting 24,000 full and part-time jobs, plus 26,000 indirect jobs across various facilities.
They have also opened or will open delivery facilities in the state that will improve customer delivery speeds, are investing in solar and wind farms, and have filmed Amazon original movies and series in the state.
According to Business NC, the deal was made with an incentives package from Richmond County Commissioners, who approved it on Tuesday. The 20-year incentive package of cash grants is equal to 50% of the annual property tax and 65% of the annual personal property tax for each of the 20 buildings that are proposed for the project. The package is contingent on $1 billion of investments and 50 jobs by the end of 2030.
No incentives for small businesses
“Amazon, the fourth largest corporation on the planet and headed by the world’s third richest person, Jeff Bezos, will be getting a significant property tax break courtesy of the Richmond County government,” Brian Balfour, senior VP of research at the John Locke Foundation told Carolina Journal. “Meanwhile, local business owners who have served the community for decades get no tax break. This latest crony deal underscores the unfair nature of so-called economic incentives and how it typically rigs the game in favor of large corporations at the expense of smaller businesses.”
There were reportedly no state incentives given for this project.
The post Amazon plans $10B AI data center in Richmond County first appeared on Carolina Journal.