HAMLET — “Blue Marlin” is Amazon.
Local and state leaders — including Gov. Josh Stein — officially revealed at Cole Auditorium on Wednesday that the tech giant would be constructing a data center facility in Richmond County.
The governor boasted that Amazon Web Services plans to invest $10 billion in its next artificial intelligence innovation campus and eventually create at least 500 “good paying” jobs.
“This is one of the largest capital investments ever made in the history of North Carolina,” Stein said.
While this is a new project, Stein said, Amazon has had “a long and proud relationship” with the Tar Heel State, including a wind farm in Pasquotank and Perquimans counties and helping multiple state agencies to modernize IT infrastructure.
“Today, however, represents a whole new chapter in North Carolina’s relationship with Amazon and we are damn excited about it,” Stein said.
The governor went on to credit the state’s skilled workforce and educational institutions — especially the community college system — as well as the strategic location on the East Coast and transportation network and affordability for being able to attract projects.
Governor Josh Stein speaks during the Amazon data center announcement at Cole Auditorium on June 4.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
“These are just some of the ingredients that make North Carolina a special place to do business,” Stein said. “We are not going to let up, we’re going to keep the pedal to the metal and keep growing this state.”
The Tar Heel state has been ranked as one of the top five best states for business in the past several years.
While recognizing dignitaries in the audience, Stein mentioned Gene McLaurin, chairman of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and joked: “I’m sure it’s just a coincidence that this big project is happening here in his home county.”
Stein and several other speakers during the announcement acknowledged the strong partnerships that were forged to make the project happen, with Duke Energy playing a large role.
“But a big hat tip is especially dedicated to the people of Richmond County,” the governor said, acknowledging the Richmond County Board of Commissioners, County Manager Bryan Land and Economic Developer Martie Butler. “These folks have worked hard for a long time for this day to come.”
Before leaving the stage, the governor gifted a piece of pottery featuring the state seal — made in nearby Seagrove — to Roger Wehner, vice president of economic development for Amazon Web Services.
“We look forward …to the strong partnership that will continue to grow between North Carolina and AWS in the many years to come,” Stein said.
Gov. Josh Stein, right, gifts a piece of Seagrove pottery to Amazon Web Services Vice President for Economic Development Roger Wehner.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
The Richmond County Board of Commissioners in May approved the sale of nearly 700 acres at the Energy Way Industrial Park for roughly $26 million.
On Tuesday, commissioners unanimously approved an incentive package that would give Amazon cash grants — equal to the sum of 50% of the annual ad valorem property tax and 65% of the annual personal property tax paid to the county — for each building for the planned data center will be paid annually for 20 years, according to the agreement.
Citing Google, an article on tech target.com states that data centers can use up to 450,000 gallons of water per day.
In March, the Rockingham City Council approved an agreement with the county to accept 400,000 gallons of wastewater from Energy Way over 40 years.
A previous agreement, approved in 2023, was for 200,000 gallons with a stipulation that the county could ask to double the amount in the future.
According to an online data center map, there are more than 80 in North Carolina including 36 in the Charlotte area, 14 in the Triangle and nine in the Triad.
There are also eight each around Hickory and the more rural Denton.
Only two are along or east of Interstate 95: one in Fayetteville; the other in Goldsboro.
The RO will have more on the project announcement in upcoming stories.
