Berwick, Luzerne County, PA -
Penn’s Northeast proudly joined Governor Josh Shapiro, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and state and local officials to celebrate the largest private sector investment in the history of Pennsylvania - a groundbreaking $20 billion commitment from AWS that will bring high-tech cloud computing and AI infrastructure to the Commonwealth, including a major data center campus in Luzerne County.
Announced during a press conference at the future site adjacent to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, the project is expected to create at least 1,250 high-paying, high-tech jobs, and thousands of construction positions across the state. The Luzerne County campus, located in Salem Township, is one of two confirmed AWS data center sites in Pennsylvania, alongside Falls Township in Bucks County.
“Today’s announcement by Amazon Web Services to invest in Luzerne County marks a generational opportunity,” said John L. Augustine III, President/CEO of Penn’s Northeast. “We are proud to have worked alongside our regional economic development partners to help bring this transformational project to NEPA. And this is just the beginning - we’re in active discussions with additional companies exploring billion-dollar investments in data center development throughout our region.”
Governor Josh Shapiro praised the project as a major win for Pennsylvania’s competitiveness, crediting collaborative efforts across all levels of government and the private sector. “This historic investment is proof that Pennsylvania is competing again,” said Governor Shapiro. “We are creating opportunity for our workers, generating new revenue for our communities, and ensuring the future of AI runs through Pennsylvania.”
The AWS investment also includes a significant workforce development component. Programs will offer hands-on training in data center operations, fiber optic splicing, and STEM education initiatives targeting K–12 students. In addition, AWS is launching the Amazon Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Fund with an initial $250,000 commitment to support local projects focused on education, sustainability, and digital skills development.
Penn’s Northeast acknowledges and thanks its key partners in making this momentous investment possible, including its members, Berwick Industrial Development Association (BIDA) and NorthPoint Development, along with US Senator Dave McCormick and Congressman Dan Meuser, who worked closely with AWS and state officials to secure this project in Pennsylvania.
“This announcement is a huge leap forward for Luzerne County and the entire region,” said Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo. “It shows what’s possible when we work together to balance innovation, workforce development, and environmental stewardship.”
Penn’s Northeast remains dedicated to supporting infrastructure readiness, workforce alignment, and regional marketing to ensure long-term success and continued investment throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“This is a monumental day for our region,” said Augustine. “We’re ready for the future of innovation, AI, and cloud technology - and the world is taking notice.”
