Amazon Louisiana Data Centers Expand AWS AI Footprint
Amazon Louisiana data centers will expand AWS AI capacity as Amazon funds energy upgrades and up to $400 million for water projects, speeding AWS expansion.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Amazon will fund 100% of energy upgrades with SWEPCO and up to $400 million in water and sewer.
- Amazon committed $12 billion to multi-site campuses to expand AWS AI and cloud capacity.
- Project will create 540 direct data-center jobs, support 1,710 community roles and up to 1,500 construction jobs.
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Amazon (AMZN) said in a press release on Feb. 23, 2026, it will invest $12 billion to build data-center campuses in Caddo and Bossier Parishes, expanding AWS capacity for AI and cloud computing while funding local infrastructure.
Infrastructure Funding and Water Conservation
Amazon will cover all costs for new and upgraded energy infrastructure with Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) to strengthen grid reliability for the AWS AI campuses. The company also pledged up to $400 million for local water and sewer projects. The design prioritizes air cooling for about 87% of the year, limiting freshwater use to less than 13% during peak summer months. This approach reduces electricity demand by roughly 25% to 35% and supports AWS’s goal of being water-positive by 2030, meaning it will return more water than it consumes.
Project Scale, Jobs, and Community Impact
The project will create 540 direct full-time data-center jobs and support 1,710 additional full-time-equivalent community roles, along with up to 1,500 construction jobs. STACK Infrastructure will develop and own the campuses. Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with operations phased in over several years. The state offered incentives including LED FastStart workforce support, the High Impact Jobs program, and a Data Center Sales Tax Exemption.
Amazon’s existing regional footprint includes four fulfillment or sortation centers, seven delivery stations, seven Whole Foods locations, and solar projects up to 200 megawatts of carbon-free energy. The company and state project the investment will generate tens of millions in new tax revenue for local governments, schools, and infrastructure. The announcement also establishes a $250,000 Amazon Northwest Louisiana Community Fund, administered through ChangeX, to provide grants up to $10,000 for groups focused on STEM education, sustainability, health, and veterans.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said, "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."
By underwriting energy upgrades and a large portion of water and sewer infrastructure, Amazon has absorbed major upfront costs that often delay data-center projects. This approach aims to accelerate AWS capacity expansion in the region while limiting near-term fiscal pressure on local utilities and municipalities.
