AWS plans to invest $11 billion in Indiana to create at least 1,000 new jobs.
Takeaway Points
- Amazon Web Services announced that it plans to invest $11 billion in Indiana.
- To create at least 1,000 new jobs, support community projects, and new workforce development training programs in the state.
- It will build new data centers in St. Joseph County with the support of Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC).
- AWS is launching the AWS InCommunities St. Joseph County Community Fund, a grant program that is aimed at supporting initiatives focused on STEAM.
Why did AWS invest $11 billion in Indiana?
Amazon Web Services announced on Thursday that it plans to invest $11 billion in Indiana to create at least 1,000 new jobs, support community projects, and new workforce development training programs in the state.
According to Amazon, this is the largest capital investment in the state’s history, and it will build new data centers in St. Joseph County with the support of Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC).
Roger Wehner, AWS director of economic development, said that by investing in Indiana will help create numerous well paying job opportunities.
“AWS’s unwavering commitment to supporting our customers and helping drive digital transformation has been evident through our infrastructure investments across the United States. Building upon this, we are thrilled to be expanding our operations in Indiana through this planned $11 billion investment, which will create numerous well-paying job opportunities and tap into the state’s burgeoning tech sector, while contributing significantly to the state’s growing economy. This investment will include our continuing commitment to fostering workforce development and educational initiatives in areas where we operate, and we look forward to helping nurture the next generation of talent in the Hoosier State. We are excited to partner with Governor Holcomb, IEDC, and other state and local leaders to forge a path toward a brighter future for Indiana’s tech landscape.” said Roger.
About the Investment
Since 2010, AWS has invested $21.5 billion in the Hoosier State, added $19.8 billion to Indiana’s gross domestic product, and created 26,000 full- and part-time jobs in the state, according to the report.
The cloud computing firm will also donate up to $7 million to support road infrastructure improvements being built by the state and local community surrounding the company’s planned development.
AWS said it is launching the AWS InCommunities St. Joseph County Community Fund, a grant program that is aimed at supporting initiatives focused on six key themes: science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) education; sustainability and environment; economic development; future workforce development; inclusion, diversity, and equity; and homelessness, hunger, health, and well-being.
According to AWS, it is committing $100,000 to this fund, which will be managed and administered by the nonprofit ChangeX. The program is open to individuals, local community groups, schools, nonprofits, and other organizations across St. Joseph County and the wider South Bend region, and applicants can apply for grants of up to $10,000 for new or existing community projects that align with at least one of the six themes outlined by the fund.
AWS’s commitment to investing $11 billion in Indiana to foster the creation of 1,000 new jobs marks a significant milestone not only for the state’s economic growth but also for the broader technological landscape. As AWS expands its footprint, leveraging the state’s resources and skilled workforce, it not only strengthens its own position as a leader in cloud computing but also catalyzes innovation and job opportunities within the region. This strategic investment not only underscores AWS’s dedication to fostering economic development but also highlights the pivotal role Indiana plays in the ever-evolving digital economy.