Pennsylvania just landed a major win as Amazon unveils plans to pour a staggering $20 billion into the state, setting up cutting-edge data center infrastructure to fuel the artificial intelligence revolution. Governor Josh Shapiro hailed it as the ‘largest private sector investment’ in Pennsylvania’s history. The initial sites are slated for Salem Township and Falls Township, with other locations under consideration. This ambitious project is projected to generate a minimum of 1,250 high-skilled jobs, ranging from data center engineers to security specialists, not to mention the cascade of additional employment opportunities within the AWS supply chain and local construction sectors.
Amazon is also showing a deep commitment to Pennsylvania’s communities beyond just job creation. They’re launching workforce development programs including data center technician training, fiber optic splicing workshops, and even STEM education initiatives aimed at K-12 students. Further sweetening the deal, Amazon will launch the Amazon Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Fund with a $250,000 commitment for grants supporting STEM, sustainability, digital skills, and more. David Zapolsky, Amazon’s chief global affairs and legal officer, emphasized the company’s dedication to advancing AI innovation and creating lasting economic opportunities within the Keystone State.
This investment builds upon Amazon’s already substantial presence in Pennsylvania, where they have invested over $26 billion since 2010. That existing footprint encompasses 23 fulfillment centers, 20 last-mile delivery stations, and an array of renewable energy projects. The economic impact is significant, contributing more than $26 billion to the state’s GDP and supporting tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Amazon is clearly positioning Pennsylvania at the forefront of the digital economy, not just by building data centers, but by nurturing local talent and empowering communities.