Amazon has unveiled plans to invest at least $20 billion in Pennsylvania to build new data center campuses, marking the largest private-sector investment in the state’s history. The initiative underscores Amazon’s deepening commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing technologies, as it races to meet surging demand for generative AI infrastructure.
The expansion is part of Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) strategy to scale high-performance data center operations across the U.S., with Salem Township and Falls Township identified as the first locations. Amazon says it is evaluating multiple additional sites within the state.
Driving Economic Growth and Job Creation
Amazon’s Pennsylvania investment is projected to create:
1,250 new high-skilled jobs, including data center engineers, operations managers, and cybersecurity specialists
Thousands of indirect jobs in construction, logistics, and related supply chains
Additional economic benefits through community investments and infrastructure development
Governor Josh Shapiro highlighted the project’s significance:
“This investment will create thousands of good-paying, stable jobs… and ensure the future of AI runs right through Pennsylvania.”
Amazon’s total capital expenditures reached $25 billion in Q1 2025, with expectations to maintain that pace for the remainder of the year, Reuters news report said. This new commitment follows similar announcements including a $10 billion investment in North Carolina and $5 billion in Taiwan, reinforcing the company’s aggressive expansion to support AI infrastructure globally.
Powering the Future of AI
The new data centers will serve as a technological backbone for generative and agentic AI, powering next-gen cloud services for startups, enterprises, and public sector agencies. Amazon’s continued investment in specialized AI hardware and advanced computing is central to maintaining U.S. leadership in AI innovation.
“By expanding our cloud computing infrastructure, we’re investing in Pennsylvania’s future… while driving the next generation of technology innovation,” said David Zapolsky, Amazon’s Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer.
Workforce Development & STEM Training
To support talent development, Amazon will launch workforce training and education programs in partnership with Pennsylvania educational institutions. These include:
AWS Community Workforce Accelerator training centers
Data Center Operations and Fiber Optic Technician Programs
Fusion Splicing and Information Infrastructure Workshops
STEM-focused K–12 programs such as We Build It Better and Think Big Experiences
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarships for local students
These initiatives aim to prepare Pennsylvania residents for high-demand careers in the digital economy, aligning workforce skills with industry needs.
Local Impact and Community Investment
In tandem with the infrastructure build-out, Amazon is launching the Amazon Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Fund with an initial $250,000 commitment to support local initiatives in STEM, sustainability, digital skills, health, and more.
This investment builds on previous efforts such as:
Repurposing an industrial site in Greencastle for data center hardware refurbishment, creating hundreds of jobs
Supporting 12 solar farms and on-site renewable energy projects in the state
Providing over $26 billion in economic contributions to Pennsylvania’s GDP since 2010
