COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, the Ohio Department of Development and JobsOhio announced today that Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to invest an estimated $10 billion to expand its data center infrastructure across greater Ohio. The investment, to be completed by 2030, aims to create hundreds of jobs and expand the state’s technology capabilities.
This new funding adds to AWS’s previous investments in Ohio, including $7.8 billion announced in 2023 and more than $6 billion invested from 2015 to 2022. In total, AWS plans to invest more than $23 billion in Ohio by 2030, representing one of the largest private-sector commitments in the state’s history.
Ohio’s Growing Data Center Infrastructure
The expansion will include new data centers featuring advanced computing technology, such as servers, storage devices, and networking equipment to support cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. While the exact locations for the data centers are not yet finalized, AWS intends to expand beyond Central Ohio into additional communities.
Governor Mike DeWine highlighted the growing importance of data centers in modern economies, stating, “AWS’s substantial investment in Ohio will help keep our state at the forefront of the global technology.”
Lt. Governor Jon Husted emphasized the significance of high-tech industries in the U.S. economy, saying, “Artificial Intelligence and data centers are crucial because they drive innovation, support high-tech industries, and enhance productivity across sectors.”
Economic Impact
AWS reported that since 2015, its investments in Ohio have contributed approximately $3.8 billion to the state’s economy and supported an average of 4,760 jobs annually in industries like telecommunications, software development, and electricity generation.
“This expanded investment is expected to create new, well-paying jobs, boost Ohio’s GDP, and further cement our partnership with the state,” said Roger Wehner, vice president of economic development at AWS. Wehner also highlighted the company’s educational programs aimed at developing Ohio’s tech workforce.
Broader Implications
AWS’s planned investment aligns with Ohio’s broader push to attract technology-focused businesses and expand its role as a tech hub. JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef acknowledged AWS’s impact, stating, “AWS was the first major cloud provider in our state, and their success has helped attract other business innovators to Ohio.”
The investment, however, is contingent upon the execution of long-term energy service agreements, which are part of AWS’s operational strategy for sustainable growth.
Next Steps
With plans to expand data centers across the state, Ohio leaders and AWS representatives are optimistic about the potential economic and technological benefits of this partnership. As the project develops, the state is expected to see new job opportunities and enhanced infrastructure to support emerging technologies.