Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced an investment plan of $11 billion in Indiana, the largest capital investment in the state’s history, aimed at expanding its network of data centers in the region. This project, backed by Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), will take place in St. Joseph County and is expected to generate at least 1,000 high-quality jobs over the next decade while boosting the economy and fostering training in new technological skills.
Economic Growth and Job Opportunities
The AWS project not only involves the creation of direct jobs within the data centers but also a positive impact on various sectors such as construction, engineering, maintenance, and telecommunications, creating a ripple effect on the local economy. AWS has also committed up to $7 million for road infrastructure improvements in the areas surrounding the data centers, in coordination with state and local authorities.
Since 2010, Amazon has invested $21.5 billion in Indiana, contributing $19.8 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) and creating approximately 26,000 jobs in the state. Moreover, Amazon has focused on sustainability in the region by installing four solar farms and a wind farm with a combined capacity of over 600 megawatts, enough to power approximately 146,000 homes.
Community Fund and Support for STEAM Education
As part of its commitment to the communities where it operates, AWS has launched the “AWS InCommunities St. Joseph County Community Fund.” This fund, managed by the nonprofit organization ChangeX, will provide grants of up to $10,000 for community impact projects that promote key areas such as education in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), economic development, sustainability, inclusion, and public health.
AWS will also implement a specific fund for STEAM awareness and learning programs aimed at K-12 students. One of the highlighted programs is “We Build it Better,” which offers industry-designed curriculum experiences to connect high school students with the STEAM environment using professional-grade tools, preparing youth for job opportunities in high-demand sectors.
Technical Training for the Next Generation of Talent
AWS has indicated that it will also collaborate with local educational and workforce development institutions to provide training programs in essential technical skills for data center infrastructure development. Among these, the “Fiber Optic Fusion Workshop,” a free two-day program where participants can obtain certification in fiber fusion techniques and connect directly with employers seeking qualified talent in this field, stands out.
The “Information Infrastructure Workshop,” another training program, aims to help students, educators, and workforce leaders better understand the physical infrastructure that supports the digital economy and cloud computing, providing direct access to career paths in construction, connectivity, and data center operations.
A Long-Term Development Engine for Indiana
Governor Holcomb celebrated the investment as a boost to Indiana’s long-term economic strategy. “This significant AWS project reaffirms Indiana’s leadership in the economy of the future, generating quality jobs that will benefit all residents of our region. This development will have a positive and lasting impact on our economy and the lives of our citizens,” Holcomb noted.
Carl Baxmeyer, president of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, emphasized that this investment in the Indiana Enterprise Center (IEC) represents a generational opportunity for the local and regional economy. “This new data center campus will be an employment pillar for northern Indiana and demonstrates our alignment with the state’s goal of creating new-generation jobs for Indiana residents,” he added.
Leadership in Digital Infrastructure and Sustainability
This ambitious project is part of Amazon’s long-term commitment to continue driving digital innovation in Indiana. With this investment, AWS strengthens its position as a leader in data center infrastructure in the state, leveraging its experience in sustainability and energy efficiency. Indiana will join other strategic AWS locations in deploying sustainable cloud infrastructures and data centers, reinforcing the state’s role in the digital economy and technological transformation.
In summary, AWS’s $11 billion investment in Indiana is much more than an infrastructure project: it is a commitment to economic development, educational growth, and sustainability in one of the highest-potential regions in the United States.
Photo and information via: AWS