The Amazon Web Services (AWS) division of Amazon will invest $35 billion in the Commonwealth of Virg
Governor Glenn Youngkin said Friday that Amazon Web Services will make Virginia's largest economic investment. Amazon expects $35 billion in state data centres by 2040.
The governor's office reported that General Assembly leaders from both parties support the proposal, which requires legislative approval of millions of dollars in incentives.
Amazon might receive $140 million under the Mega Data Center Incentive Program for workforce development site maintenance and other charges, according to the Associated Press.
Youngkin stated that the investment will create more than 1,000 state jobs, compared to Amazon's 2018 Arlington County second headquarters plan's 25,000.
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AP reported General Assembly proposal will base award size on job creation. Virginia data centres will enjoy temporary sales and use tax exemptions.
Youngkin's office said data centre locations would be chosen later. Recent state legislation limits centre sites.
NOVA has several political data centres. 'Data Center Alley' Loudoun County has 115 data centres in 27 million square feet, according to Dgtl Infra.
Tech businesses like NOVA for its network access point history, but neighbours complain of noise and environmental concerns.
According to the AP, data centres need noisy fans and cooling capacity. They utilise plenty of electricity and may need high-voltage transmission lines.
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Prince William County resident Bill Wright called Friday's news 'intoxicating to our government.'
Wright told the AP he doesn't oppose data centres but hopes the state puts them in ecologically favourable and job-rich rural areas.
'They're overwhelming Northern Virginia,' he added. Amazon may be our Commonwealth.
He doubts Virginia will resist northern Virginia tech centres.
Sen. Chap Petersen, D-Fairfax, proposes banning data centres near natural or historic sites.
'Data centres are profitable but harmful to the environment. Future economies don't empty factories 'said. 'They may be obsolete in a decade. Farmland and historic sites go.'
Without data centre protection, Virginia may be overwhelmed, Petersen said.
'In partnership with the Commonwealth,' Virginia Economic Development Partnership spokeswoman Suzanne Clark said Amazon Web Services is investigating sites.
Amazon Web Services representative didn't provide the number or location of planned data centres.