Amazon invests more money into new Shreveport data center campus

Across its three campuses, Amazon is expected to create up to 750 direct jobs. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the projects could generate another 1,784 indirect and induced jobs.

The announcement comes less than six months after Amazon announced its initial $12 billion investment in northwest Louisiana. The three campuses will extend the company's data center development across Caddo and Bossier parishes.

"Amazon's decision to increase its investment in Louisiana so quickly sends a clear message about what they have experienced here," Gov. Jeff Landry said in a statement. "When one of the world's largest companies chooses to deepen its commitment this early, it demonstrates confidence in our workers, our business environment and our ability to execute."

Amazon will continue working with STACK Infrastructure, which is developing and owning the campuses. STACK expects the project to support up to 2,250 construction jobs, creating opportunities for local contractors, skilled tradespeople and suppliers.

The company also plans to work with local educational institutions, technical colleges and community organizations on workforce development programs. The programs are expected to help prepare students, job seekers and career changers for data center careers, including positions such as electricians, HVAC technicians, project engineers, network specialists, operations managers and security specialists.

Amazon says Louisiana businesses will also have opportunities to compete for contracts and vendor work connected to the development. The company says it has invested more than $6 billion across Louisiana since 2010 and employs thousands of Louisiana residents.

Amazon says it plans to invest up to $400 million in public water infrastructure to support all three northwest Louisiana campuses. The company says the facilities will rely primarily on air cooling and use water for cooling only when temperatures rise above about 85 degrees. Amazon expects that to occur less than 13% of the year in the region.

Amazon also says it will fully fund the water and wastewater improvements required for its projects. The company is working with Southwestern Electric Power Co. to fund new energy infrastructure and grid upgrades needed to serve the data centers. Amazon says those costs will not be passed on to existing ratepayers.

The expansion comes as Louisiana officials promote the state as a destination for large-scale artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure projects.

In June, Landry established the Louisiana Ratepayer and Community Protection Initiative, a statewide framework intended to support data center development while addressing infrastructure, workforce and natural resource concerns.

Amazon says it has awarded nearly $500,000 through the Amazon Northwest Louisiana Community Fund since its initial data center announcement in February. The grants have gone to 46 local nonprofits, schools and community members. The funding has supported priorities including food assistance, transitional housing, youth robotics and education programs.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux called the expanded investment a "tremendous vote of confidence" in the city and its residents. "This means more jobs, more opportunity for local businesses, and another major step forward for our economy," Arceneaux said.

Justyn Dixon, president and CEO of North Louisiana Economic Partnership, said the $18 billion commitment shows the scale of the development coming to the region. "The jobs, construction activity and opportunities for local companies will reach well beyond these three campuses," Dixon said.

The company says people interested in future Amazon job opportunities can register to receive notifications about job openings, hiring events and updates.