Amazon Web Services (AWS) is behind a planned data center campus in Indiana.
Amazon and state Governor Eric J. Holcomb this week announced plans to invest $11 billion to build a data center campus in north central Indiana – the largest capital investment announcement in Indiana’s history.
While it didn’t provide further details, AWS said it will build new data centers in St. Joseph County.
“Indiana’s long-term economic strategy is paying dividends for Hoosiers as we cultivate the growth of critical sectors like technology infrastructure,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Amazon has long been an important economic partner in Indiana, and we are excited to welcome AWS. This significant investment solidifies Indiana’s leadership position in the economy of the future, and will undoubtedly have a positive ripple effect on the town of New Carlisle, the north-central region, and the state of Indiana for years to come.”
A company acquired more than 600 acres of agricultural land around New Carlisle in St. Joseph County last year using the shell company Razor5. At the time, AWS was cited as the likely company by local press.
“AWS’s unwavering commitment to supporting our customers and helping drive digital transformation has been evident through our infrastructure investments across the United States,” added Roger Wehner, AWS director of economic development. “Building upon this, we are thrilled to be expanding our operations in Indiana through this planned $11 billion investment, which will create numerous well-paying job opportunities and tap into the state's burgeoning tech sector, while contributing significantly to the state's growing economy.”
New Carlisle is located around 80 miles east of Chicago, to the west of South Bend.
Amazon has secured a number of tax breaks for the campus. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is offering AWS data center sales tax exemptions for eligible capital investments over a 50-year term.
The IEDC also committed an investment of up to $18.3 million in the form of headcount-based tax credits, up to $5 million in training grants, up to $55 million in Hoosier Business Investment tax credits, and up to $20 million in redevelopment tax credits.
“The AWS announcement today will be a generational boost to our local and regional economy, and we are excited for the opportunity to welcome the AWS team and workforce into our community,” said Carl Baxmeyer, president, St. Joseph County board of commissioners. “This new data center campus to be built in the Indiana Enterprise Center (IEC) over the next decade will be a major employment center for all of northern Indiana. This project announcement also shows our alignment with the state’s goal to create next-level jobs that benefit all Hoosiers.”
