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Amazon to Invest $12 Billion in Louisiana for New Data Center Campuses

Amazon is launching its first data center campuses in Northwest Louisiana to support cloud computing.

Amazon is launching its first data center campuses in Northwest Louisiana to support cloud computing.

NewDecoded

Published Feb 25, 2026

Feb 25, 2026

3 min read

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Amazon today announced a plan to invest $12 billion in Northwest Louisiana to build state-of-the-art data center campuses. This multi-site project across Caddo and Bossier Parishes aims to support the growing global demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The investment represents one of the largest capital injections in the history of the region. The project is expected to create 540 full-time jobs within the data centers, including roles for network specialists and operations managers. Beyond direct hiring, the investment supports an estimated 1,710 additional positions in the broader community. Amazon has partnered with STACK Infrastructure to manage construction, which will support up to 1,500 local building trades jobs.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry stated that the state is ready for the next generation of technological innovation. He noted that the region provides prime sites and a skilled workforce capable of supporting national operations. This move deepens Amazon’s footprint in Louisiana, which already includes several fulfillment centers and solar energy projects.

To address energy concerns, Amazon worked with Southwestern Electric Power Company to ensure the company pays 100 percent of the costs for new utility infrastructure. This strategy protects local residents by preventing data center energy costs from being passed to residential ratepayers. The plan also includes 200 MW of new carbon-free energy projects to support the local grid.

Sustainability is a core focus of the development, specifically regarding water usage. Amazon will invest up to $400 million in public water and sewer infrastructure to enhance system efficiency. The facilities will primarily use outside air for cooling, utilizing water only during the hottest months to minimize environmental impact.

A new $250,000 community fund will also launch to support local projects in STEM education and sustainability. Managed by the nonprofit ChangeX, the fund will provide grants to initiatives across the Shreveport area. This commitment aims to ensure the benefits of the investment reach local families and schools directly.


Decoded Take

Decoded Take

Decoded Take

Amazon’s move to Northwest Louisiana reflects a strategic shift toward regions that offer high utility capacity without the congestion found in established tech hubs. By funding its own infrastructure upgrades, the company is attempting to bypass the growing public resistance toward data center clusters that often strain local power grids. This investment demonstrates how AI expansion is forcing big tech to become a major investor in public utilities, particularly water and electricity. For the cloud industry, the Louisiana expansion serves as a blueprint for water positive and ratepayer neutral growth in the face of rising environmental scrutiny.

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