Amazon's planned $10 billion data center investment in Richmond County will create at least 500 jobs and support thousands more through construction and our supply chain. But what excites me most is that the benefits for this community are starting now.
Amazon is providing $1.5 million to Hamlet Fire and Rescue to support the construction of a new fire substation, two new fire trucks, equipment and uniforms, and salaries to operate the substation for the first two years. The new station will serve about 900 residents near the facility and cut emergency response times by nearly six minutes. The significant improvement in emergency response and public safety will also reduce property owners' ISO insurance rating from 10 to 4, resulting in an estimated $300 to $500 in annual homeowner's insurance savings.
This is what thoughtful public-private partnership looks like: when state leaders and local champions align around shared economic goals, communities win from day one.
The fire station is just one example of how we're working alongside Richmond County. We're establishing partnerships with local K-12 schools and developing educational programs that will serve residents for years to come. We've already partnered with Richmond Community College to launch a Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing Certificate course where students receive hands-on training from industry professionals, preparing them for potential careers in the digital infrastructure that powers our economy.
The jobs Amazon is creating are long-term, high-quality positions, including electricians, fiber splicers, plumbers, data center technicians, and more, will provide opportunities for residents across various skill levels and backgrounds, while creating new opportunities for small businesses, contractors, and service providers throughout the region.
At the heart of this project will be a state-of-the-art data center campus that helps power Amazon Web Services (AWS) — the cloud computing infrastructure that enables local hospitals to access patient records instantly, emergency services to coordinate responses in real-time, schools to deliver online learning, and businesses of all sizes to operate and grow. These data centers are the backbone of the digital services North Carolina communities depend on every day.
Right here in the Tar Heel State, AWS infrastructure supports customers like the North Carolina Office of the State Controller by processing payroll for more than 70,000 state employees faster and more efficiently while saving taxpayers millions in infrastructure costs. AWS also serves Richmond Community College and the University of North Carolina System across all 17 UNC institutions, equipping more than 250,000 students with skills in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing that today's employers need.
As one of the largest capital investments in North Carolina history, this project strengthens the state's position as a leader in technology and innovation. We're also committed to building responsibly. Amazon's data centers are designed with sustainability in mind, aligning with our broader commitment to being good stewards of the environment while driving economic growth.
None of this happens without collaboration. Partnerships with local officials, schools, and businesses have been essential to identify where we can all work together. At the state level, the North Carolina legislature's continued support has fostered cooperation between industry, utilities, academia, and government. These partnerships will strengthen the state's pipeline of local talent through community colleges, trade programs, and technical universities, training future professionals in data center operations, broadband expansion, and sustainability.
When we chose Richmond County, we recognized what residents already know: this is a special place with hardworking people and strong values. Amazon is one of many companies investing in North Carolina's future, and we've seen strong bipartisan collaboration at every level of government, from the Richmond County Board of Commissioners to the dedicated public servants in the General Assembly and Governor Stein's administration.
This is just the beginning. As we begin building, we're investing in Richmond County's future. We look forward to being a long-term partner in making it an even better place to live and work.
Shannon Kellogg is vice president of public policy for Amazon Web Services.
