By Jane Roberts, Business & Technology Correspondent
Published: June 15, 2025
Overview
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced a historic $10 billion investment to build a next-generation AI and cloud computing campus in Richmond County, North Carolina. This commitment, among the largest in the state’s history, is set to create hundreds of high-skilled positions, bolster workforce training, and drive local economic growth. governor.nc.govaboutamazon.com
Expert Analysis
“Amazon’s investment is among the largest in state history and will bring hundreds of good-paying jobs and an economic boost to Richmond County.”
— Governor Josh Stein, Office of the Governor of North Carolina (see profile) governor.nc.gov
“This investment will position North Carolina as a hub for cutting-edge technology, create hundreds of high-skilled jobs, and drive significant economic growth.”
— David Zapolsky, Chief Global Affairs & Legal Officer, Amazon (see bio) aboutamazon.com
5 Key Takeaways
- Scale of Investment: $10 billion over the next five years to expand AWS data centers and AI research facilities.
- Job Creation: Direct roles for data center engineers, network specialists, security analysts, and operations managers, plus thousands of construction and supply-chain jobs.
- Workforce Development: Launch of the Richmond County Community Fund with grants up to $10,000 for STEM and vocational training initiatives.
- Community Impact: Partnerships with K–12 schools, community colleges, and local nonprofits to establish fiber-optic workshops, data-center technician programs, and AI literacy camps.
- Sustainability Focus: Integration of on-site renewable energy sources and advanced cooling systems to minimize environmental footprint.
What Happens Next?
- Groundbreaking Ceremony (Q3 2025): Local officials and AWS leadership to mark the start of construction.
- Phase 1 Operations (2026): First data hall launches, with initial hiring ramp-up.
- Ongoing Expansion: Additional campus facilities and training centers to come online through 2030.
- Community Grants Awarded: Richmond County Community Fund application window opens in August 2025.
Fact-Check
Claim: “All jobs will be permanent roles.”
Check: While direct AWS roles are permanent, construction and contract positions are time-limited to build phases (estimated 18–24 months). Long-term supply-chain roles will persist beyond opening.
Source: Office of Governor Stein press release; AWS community impact report governor.nc.govaboutamazon.com
Daily Digest:
- Updated: June 2025 | Next update scheduled: July 2025
- Trending: Cloud computing expansions | AI workforce training | State economic incentives
