Opposition to data centers is hardening, and Amazon is answering with money. The company announced Built Together on October 2, adding more than $1B over five years to what it already spends in the US communities that host its facilities.
AWS CEO Matt Garman made the case in an About Amazon post. He compared the AI buildout to the Interstate highway system and noted that more than 100 data center moratoriums are now under consideration nationwide.
The spending has three channels. One funds education and workforce: residents of data center counties can earn certificates or associate degrees, at no out-of-pocket cost, in fields such as electrical trades, HVAC, fiber optics and IT. Amazon aims to reach more than 300,000 students and plans 25 Modular Training Centers, each teaching 2,000 to 4,000 learners a year.
A second channel covers energy and water, funding efficiency upgrades for schools, community buildings and homes. The target is more than 300 buildings and 30,000 homes, with Amazon projecting a 20 to 40 percent cut in monthly energy bills.
The third routes millions of dollars a year per community through local nonprofits for roads, parks, fire equipment and housing, with allocation left to the communities. Amazon also published a Data Center Commitment on energy pricing, water use and engagement.
