en.Wedoany.com Reported - Amazon's new data center in Montgomery County, Missouri, is expected to fund local emergency services, water management projects, and new community gathering spaces.
The data center was announced by Amazon in June. The tech giant stated that the project will bring new community programs, job opportunities, and millions of dollars in tax revenue to Missouri, further strengthening its industrial presence in the state. The project will also support cloud computing technology that powers essential public services and promote Amazon's integration with communities across the state.
Amazon first invested in Missouri in 2017. The company currently employs over 10,000 people statewide and indirectly supports 10,000 jobs in construction, logistics, and professional services, offering competitive wages and comprehensive benefits. According to company data, Amazon has contributed over $9 billion to Missouri's gross domestic product (GDP) since 2010.
David Zapolsky, Amazon's Senior Vice President of Global Affairs and Chief Legal Officer, said in June that this move reflects the company's philosophy of appearing as a true partner, listening to community input, and making long-term investments. He noted that the data center under construction will create hundreds of new jobs, support educators and students, and strengthen local infrastructure.
To enhance operations and community ties, Amazon is expanding partnerships with community colleges, technical schools, and universities across Missouri to develop training programs for building, connecting, and powering critical infrastructure. The company stated its commitment to being a long-term partner in the communities where it invests, striving to be a good neighbor and active partner through listening, learning, and collaboration.
To ensure no additional energy costs are passed on to Montgomery County residents, Amazon is working with local utility company Ameren Missouri, with rates paid covering the data center's energy usage. The company has invested in a carbon-free energy project in Missouri generating 138 megawatts, enough to power over 28,000 homes, helping increase overall energy supply and support long-term electricity affordability in the region.
Regarding water usage, Amazon said it is investing in the water infrastructure needed for its facilities. Once completed, the entire system will be donated to Montgomery County Public Water Supply District No. 1, which can use it at its discretion to extend water services to other parts of the community. The company noted that its data centers are designed for water conservation, and based on local geography, these facilities are expected to require water cooling only 7% or less of the year, using outside air for cooling on most days. At full capacity, the data center campus will use less than 0.1% of the annual recharge the aquifer receives from typical rainfall. On hotter days when water cooling is needed, the project will use a rainwater harvesting system designed to meet approximately 20% of the site's annual water needs, reusing water six times through an on-site circulation system. Amazon stated that efficient water systems are part of its design, and the company has committed to achieving water positive in its data center operations by 2030, with over 50 related projects currently underway.
