Amazon plans to invest an additional $6 billion in its Northwest Louisiana data center development, bringing its total planned investment in the region to $18 billion.

The expansion includes a third data center campus at Resilient Technology Park in Shreveport, adding to Amazon’s previously announced developments in Caddo and Bossier parishes. The company’s initial $12 billion investment was announced in February.

The additional investment is expected to create 210 direct jobs. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the expanded project will result in 499 additional indirect jobs, for a total of 709 potential new job opportunities in the Northwest Region.

Across the three campuses, Amazon is expected to create up to 750 direct jobs, while LED estimates the projects will result in an additional 1,784 indirect and induced jobs.

“Amazon’s decision to increase its investment in Louisiana so quickly sends a clear message about what they have experienced here,” Governor Jeff Landry said. “When one of the world’s largest companies chooses to deepen its commitment this early, it demonstrates confidence in our workers, our business environment and our ability to execute. Amazon came to our state with an ambitious vision, and Louisiana has shown we can deliver at the scale and speed that vision demands.”

Amazon will continue partnering with STACK Infrastructure, the developer and owner of the campuses, to lead construction and development. STACK anticipates the project will support up to 2,250 construction jobs, creating opportunities for local contractors, skilled trades and suppliers.

“As STACK continues to expand our presence in Northwest Louisiana, our commitment goes beyond what we build. It reflects the long-term relationships we establish with the communities where we operate,” said Matt VanderZanden, Chief Executive Officer, STACK Americas. “We are proud to continue our partnership with Amazon and work alongside state and local leaders to create opportunities for local businesses and workers, invest in infrastructure that supports continued growth, and deliver lasting value for years to come.”

Keith Klein, Amazon’s director of data center supply solutions, said the expanded investment will create additional opportunities for the region.

“When we announced our investment in northwest Louisiana earlier this year, we made a promise: Amazon pays its own way, and the communities where we operate will be better off because we’re there,” Keith Klein, Amazon’s director of data center supply solutions, said. “Increasing our planned investment to $18 billion means more good jobs for the region and more opportunities for local businesses. We’re continuing to protect ratepayers and strengthening this community for the long term.”

Amazon also plans to launch workforce development programs with local educational institutions, technical colleges and community organizations. The programs are intended to prepare students, job seekers and career changers for skilled data center careers, including positions such as electricians, HVAC technicians, project engineers, network specialists, operations managers and security specialists.

Louisiana businesses will have opportunities to participate in the development through contract and vendor opportunities. Through Source Louisiana, in-state companies can increase their visibility for opportunities associated with major economic development projects.

Amazon said its Northwest Louisiana campuses are being designed to use energy and water efficiently while funding the infrastructure needed to support its operations.

The facilities will rely on air cooling for most of the year and use water for cooling when temperatures exceed approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which Amazon expects to occur less than 13% of the year in the region.

Amazon plans to invest up to $400 million in public water infrastructure to support all three campuses. The company said it will fund water and wastewater improvements required by the projects and has coordinated with local utilities to ensure sufficient capacity for its facilities and existing customers.

Amazon is also working with Southwestern Electric Power Company to fully fund new energy infrastructure and grid upgrades required to serve the data centers.

“Our customers come first, and our commitment remains the same: growth should pay for growth.,” said Brett Mattison, SWEPCO President and COO. “We’re ready to serve and ready to deliver the reliable energy our communities need to support new investment while protecting existing customers from the costs of that growth. This latest milestone reflects the continued momentum we’re seeing in Northwest Louisiana and the opportunities it brings for jobs, economic development and long-term community benefits. We congratulate the Northwest Louisiana Economic Partnership, Amazon and STACK Infrastructure, on today’s announcement and we’re proud to be part of helping our region grow and thrive.”

Since Amazon’s initial data center announcement in February, the company has awarded nearly $500,000 through the Amazon Northwest Louisiana Community Fund to 46 local nonprofits, schools and community members. The grants support priorities including food assistance, transitional housing, youth robotics and education programs.

“Amazon and STACK Infrastructure’s continued investment in Northwest Louisiana is a tremendous vote of confidence in Shreveport and in the people who call this region home,” said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. “This means more jobs, more opportunity for local businesses, and another major step forward for our economy. We are proud to welcome this next phase of investment and excited about what it means for Shreveport’s future.”

Justyn Dixon, president and CEO of North Louisiana Economic Partnership, said the investment will have an impact beyond the data center campuses.

“An $18 billion commitment puts into perspective the scale of what is taking shape in Northwest Louisiana,” said Justyn Dixon, President and CEO of North Louisiana Economic Partnership. “The jobs, construction activity and opportunities for local companies will reach well beyond these three campuses.”

LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said the investment is expected to create opportunities for workers and businesses across the state.

“Amazon’s expanded investment is creating new opportunities for Louisiana people and businesses to grow alongside it,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “From preparing Louisianans for high-paying careers to putting our local companies in the pipeline for contracts, we are focused on making sure investments of this scale create opportunity that reaches well beyond the project site. The real measure of a project like this is how broadly its benefits are felt, and we are working to ensure they reach workers, businesses and communities across Louisiana.”

Amazon has invested more than $6 billion across Louisiana since 2010, employing thousands of Louisiana residents and supporting additional indirect jobs. Its Louisiana footprint includes fulfillment and sortation centers, delivery stations, Whole Foods Market locations and investments in solar energy.

For the full scope of the project, Amazon is participating in the state’s Data Center Sales and Use Tax Exemption.