Governor Shapiro announces planned Amazon $20B investment for artificial intelligence

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and other leaders met during a conference on Monday to make an announcement on economic development.

According to a news release, the announcement outlined that Amazon plans to invest at least $20 billion to establish multiple cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation campuses across Pennsylvania. 

According to the release, the investment will create at least 1,250 high-tech, paying jobs.

"This initial investment from Amazon will create thousands of good-paying, stable jobs as Pennsylvania workers build, maintain and operate the first two data center campuses in Luzerne County and Bucks County," said Governor Shapiro. 

Governor Shapiro also highlighted students around the state who are studying fields related to AI, and could become the next leaders in AI.

Salem Township in Luzerne County and Falls Township in Bucks County are the first communities identified as sites for future campuses, according to the release.

"Pennsylvania is proud to have worked alongside our local partners in Salem Township, Luzerne County and Falls Township, Bucks County, to win today's unprecedented $20 billion investment from Amazon. The company's data center campuses will drive enormous positive tax impacts for our Commonwealth, counties and municipalities, and will create at least 1,250 high-paying, high-tech jobs as well as thousands of construction jobs," said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger. 

Tradespeople in the crowd were highlighted in several speaker's speeches for their work that will go into developing the planned sites for innovation campuses.

According to the release, Amazon has invested more than $26 billion in Pennsylvania since 2010.

Kevin Miller, Vice President of Global Data Centers for Amazon Web Services, spoke at the conference and highlighted community initiatives and development programs, such as comprehensive workforce development initiatives that Amazon is sponsoring and supporting.

Workforce development programs, according to Miller, include:

• Data center technician training programs at colleges
• Amazon Community Workforce Accelerator
• STEM programs for K-12 students

"By expanding our cloud computing infrastructure, we're investing in Pennsylvania's future through new jobs, workforce development programs and community initiatives. We look forward to helping drive the next generation of technology innovation, while delivering meaningful benefits for Pennsylvania residents," said Zapolsky.

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