North Louisiana Economic Partnership to make major announcement about more data centers coming to northwest Louisiana

kplctv.com · Feb 23, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Amazon is building a $12 billion data center in Caddo Parish, Governor Jeff Landry announced Monday, Feb. 23.The announcement came as part of a partnership with North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP).NLEP says the project should create around 540 on-site jobs that will pay at or above 150% of the statewide annual average wage, as well as support another 1,700 in the community. This investment establishes Amazon’s first data center in north Louisiana. According to NLEP, the center will support cloud computing technologies to serve customers.Construction should begin in the coming weeks.The investment will include multiple sites across Bossier and Caddo parishes. Governor Jeff Landry announced Monday, Feb. 23, Amazon will be building a $12 billion data center in Caddo Parish“As demand for AI and digital infrastructure accelerates nationwide, Louisiana continues to stand out as a place that delivers—combining reliable power, a world-class workforce and a strong record of executing complex projects at scale," said NLEP in a news release.“Amazon is making a long-term commitment to Louisiana because our state delivers — prime sites, strong infrastructure and a skilled, hard-working workforce ready to support the next generation of technological innovation,” Gov. Landry said. “Investments of this magnitude put Louisiana at the center of operations relied on across the country and connect our communities to jobs that power how Americans live, work and do business.”NLEP officials say the project is expected to generate significant tax revenue to both parishes, which will support funding for public services, schools, and infrastructure projects.“Amazon’s $12 billion investment in northwest Louisiana will build next-generation data center campuses to support AI and cloud computing, ensuring opportunities for local communities,” Amazon’s Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer David Zapolsky said. “We’re creating hundreds of high-paying jobs and making substantial investments in local infrastructure. We’re grateful for our strong partnerships with local leaders and proud to deepen our commitment to Louisiana.”NLEP says Amazon is partnering with STACK Infrastructure, the developer and owner of the campuses, to lead the construction of the data center and accompanying facilities. The entire project is expected to support around 1,500 construction jobs.“This project demonstrates STACK’s ability to execute multi-site data center developments in close coordination with utilities, clients and local partners,” STACK Americas CEO Matt VanderZanden said. “We are excited to make this significant investment in northwest Louisiana and are looking forward to being an excellent community partner while creating long-term, positive impacts in our new home in The Pelican State.”Since 2010, Amazon has invested nearly $5 billion across Louisiana, employing thousands of people, and supporting other indirect jobs. Currently, Amazon has fulfillment and sorting centers, delivery stations, Whole Foods Market locations, and investments in solar energy that support the state’s power grid.“As global leaders like Amazon continue to choose Louisiana, it sends a powerful signal to the world that we are competing, and winning, at the highest level,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “These investments are not isolated wins; they activate local supply chains, create new opportunities for Louisiana vendors, and open doors for our people to access high-wage careers. With each project, our foundation grows stronger, delivering lasting opportunity for businesses and families across Louisiana.”Roger Wehner, vice president of Amazon Web Services, breaks down data centers and shares details about one coming to Caddo ParishADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM NLEP:Partnering for Long-Term Regional Growth and ProsperityAlongside its $12 billion investment, Amazon is launching a series of community and infrastructure initiatives in northwest Louisiana, reinforcing its commitment to responsible development and long-term partnership. Learn more in the company’s latest post, “Building Louisiana’s Future, Together: Amazon’s first data center campuses reinforce a long-term commitment to Louisiana.”“Amazon’s continued investment in northwest Louisiana, alongside STACK Infrastructure, is transformational, building upon our region’s strength as a destination for innovation and technology,” North Louisiana Economic Partnership President and CEO Justyn Dixon said. “It represents more than a significant economic win. It is a moment that brings our entire region together. We are proud of the hard work and collaboration between Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish, and the City of Shreveport that made this possible. By spanning both sides of the Red River, this project quite literally bridges our communities and ensures opportunity flows across the entire region. Now we are bringing hundreds of high-paying jobs, millions in tax revenue for our schools, and proof that northwest Louisiana competes on the global stage. When we compete and win as one region, we create jobs, strengthen families, and build long-term prosperity.”Amazon has worked with the local utility, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), to ensure the company pays 100% of the costs associated with the new data center campus in Louisiana. This includes covering all expenses for new energy infrastructure and upgrades required to serve the data centers, which also strengthens overall grid reliability for all SWEPCO customers.“This will not cost the people of Louisiana any more in their utility rates,” Gov. Landry said.“We’re proud to welcome this major investment to our region,” SWEPCO President and Chief Operating Officer Brett Mattison said. “Louisiana offers an exceptional environment for economic development, supported by its stable regulatory framework, competitive utility rates and strong business friendly climate. SWEPCO plays a vital role in driving business forward in the state, and we are ready to serve this significant customer while remaining fully committed to each customer in every community we serve.”Amazon says they will be investing $400 million in water infrastructure improvements to support the project.“We are making generational changes and it starts with what we are doing today,” the governor said.“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in our efforts to build a better Caddo Parish community,” says Greg Young, Caddo Parish Commission president. Our passion filled vision to make amazing steps to provide for our public safety, our economic development, and enhancements to our quality of life are well underway to become realized in my lifetime! Thanks to my fellow commissioners and other state-wide leaders and organizations who are working tirelessly in making this possible.”“This project means more than square footage and servers — it means new opportunities for our people and stronger support for local businesses. This data center is an investment in our present and a stake in our future,” says Tom Arceneaux, mayor of Shreveport. “This is the kind of economic progress that strengthens our entire parish and region. Bossier City is focused on being ready—through strong infrastructure and responsive local government—so that when opportunities come, we can help them move quickly and successfully,” says Thomas H. Chandler, Mayor of Bossier City.“This project represents a major opportunity for job creation, private investment, and long-term economic growth,” says Jim Galambos, Mayor of Blanchard. “It reinforces confidence in our workforce, infrastructure, and the future of our community.”“This data center represents more than a capital investment in our city. It is an investment in our future. As technology continues to drive the global economy, projects like this position our community to compete, innovate, and create high quality jobs for our residents. District G stands for Growth, and this project reflects our commitment to smart, forward thinking economic development that supports our tax base and strengthens our infrastructure while expanding opportunity for our community,” says Shreveport City Councilwoman, Ursula Bowman.“On behalf of the Bossier Parish Police Jury, I am proud to welcome Amazon and STACK Infrastructure to our community as they launch this transformative data center investment in Bossier Parish,” says Tom Salzer, Bossier Parish Police Jury President. “This project represents more than new infrastructure—it signals continued confidence in our region’s workforce, our leadership in cyber innovation, and our long-term economic vision. The economic impact of this development will help strengthen our commitment to the National Cyber Research Park and the growing cyber corridor that has positioned Bossier Parish as a national leader in this space. By diversifying our economy and expanding access to high-quality, high-paying careers, we are creating opportunities that allow our children to build their futures here at home—and helping bring talented Louisianans back to Louisiana.”Advancing the InvestmentConstruction on the data center campuses is expected to begin imminently, with operations launching in phases over the next several years. To win the project in northwest Louisiana, the state of Louisiana offered Amazon a competitive incentives package that includes the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s High Impact Jobs and Data Center Sales Tax Exemption programs.“This project reflects what is possible when public leadership and economic development partners align with a shared vision. The Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen our regional economy, attract investment, and create meaningful opportunities for families across Northwest Louisiana. We are excited about the momentum this project brings to our commun