Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to invest $35 billion by 2040 to establish multiple data center campuses across Virginia in the US. Numerous localities in Virginia are under consideration and will be decided at a later date. These new data center campuses will combine expandable capacity to position AWS for long-term growth for its cloud infrastructure in this region.
The combination of these sites’ extensible capacity will put AWS in a position for sustained expansion in Virginia. The establishment of its initial AWS data centers and operational facilities were in 2006 and the subsequent announcement of its second headquarters in Arlington in 2018.
“Virginia is a world leader in innovation and cloud computing, thanks to its investment in a robust, highly-skilled workforce and emphasis on long-term public and private partnerships,” said Roger Wehner, Director of Economic Development, AWS. “Since 2006, AWS has invested more than $35 billion in Virginia, boosting the Commonwealth’s total Gross Domestic Product by nearly $7 billion and supporting thousands of jobs annually. Building on these successful beginnings, we plan to invest an additional $35 billion in the Commonwealth of Virginia by 2040 and create 1,000 jobs.”
AWS has multiple data centers in the state of Virginia, which are used to provide cloud computing services to customers around the world. These data centers are located in various locations throughout the state, including the Northern Virginia area, which is home to a large number of data centers due to its proximity to major metropolitan areas and access to reliable infrastructure. Additionally, AWS also has a number of facilities, offices and network Points of Presence (PoPs) in the area to support its customers.
Mega Data Center Incentive Program
Virginia is creating a new Mega Data Center Incentive Program that AWS will be qualified for, pending approval by the Virginia General Assembly. The new program offers Data Center Sales and Use tax savings on eligible equipment and enabling software for up to a 15-year extension. AWS will also be qualified for a MEI bespoke performance award of up to $140 million, also subject to approval by the General Assembly, for site and infrastructure upgrades, workforce development, and other project-related expenses.
“AWS has a significant presence in Virginia, and we are excited that AWS has chosen to continue their growth and expand their footprint across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Virginia will continue to encourage the development of this new generation of data center campuses across multiple regions of the Commonwealth. These areas offer robust utility infrastructure, lower costs, great livability, and highly educated workforces and will benefit from the associated economic development and increased tax base, assisting the schools and providing services to the community.”
“Securing Amazon Web Services’ data center campuses expansion is a significant win for Virginia and our booming technology sector,” said Senator George Barker, Co-Chair of Senate Finance and Appropriations. “I congratulate the partners that will continue to work together on this historic project and look forward to AWS expanding operations in the Commonwealth.”
