PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Tech giant Amazon is expanding its artificial intelligence footprint, with a planned investment of $20 billion in Pennsylvania, including a site in Bucks County.
Gov. Josh Shapiro was joined by Sen. Dave McCormick on Monday to announce what he called a historical moment for the state.
“I'm proud to announce that with Amazon's commitment of at least $20 billion to build new state-of-the-art data center campuses across our Commonwealth, we have secured the largest private sector investment in the history of Pennsylvania,” he said.
Shapiro said Pennsylvania will play a key role in a growing national security issue.
“Right now, there is a battle for supremacy when it comes to AI, a battle that will be won by either the United States or China,” he said. “I'm comforted by the fact that, thanks to Amazon, the future of AI is going to run right here through the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
One of the planned sites is located at the Keystone Trade Center, formerly the U.S. Steel plant, in Falls Township, Bucks County. The other will be in Luzerne County.
Kevin Miller, vice president of Amazon Web Services, said the facilities will be “the backbone for America’s AI infrastructure.”
“Our choice of Pennsylvania for this investment is not accidental. It's a combination of the skilled workforce, the strong infrastructure, as well as the commitment to clean energy and energy from multiple sources that really align well with Amazon's needs,” he said.
The investment is expected to create at least 1,250 tech jobs.
Shapiro, a Democrat, thanked Republican U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick for helping finalize the deal. McCormick said the plan makes sense for everyone.
“We have the second largest energy capability in the country, the fourth largest natural gas reserves in the world. We have the absolute best-skilled workforce,” he said.
The president of Bucks County Community College said the school offers what are called “micro credentials,” programs that can be completed in less than a year, offering entry to both the construction and operations of the data centers.