AWS Unveils $4.8 Billion Walla Walla Data Center Project

AWS Revealed as the Company Behind Walla Walla Data Center Project

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has been announced as the company behind a massive $4.8 billion data center project in the Port of Walla Walla, Washington. This project has been a mystery for some time, but now the details are coming to light.

Background on the Data Center Project

In October 2024, Advance Phase LLC bought about 500 acres in the Wallula Gap Business Park for $32.50 million. At that point, the name of the end user was not revealed. It was clear that this site would support a large data center campus valued at $4.8 billion, featuring a total of 16 buildings.

Details of the Construction Phases

The company plans to construct data centers in four phases. Each phase will cover 125 acres and include four buildings, each measuring 215,000 square feet. Overall, the project will span more than 3.4 million square feet of space.

AWS: The Confirmed User of the Data Center

While Amazon did not confirm the news directly, Google stated that it is not part of this project. This left AWS as the only company that matched the description of being in the top 30 of the Fortune 500. It is expected that more details will be officially announced soon.

Location and Accessibility of the Project

The Wallula Gap Business Park is a substantial 1,900-acre industrial site. It is conveniently located near US Highway 12, the Union Pacific Railroad, and is just 10 miles from Interstate 395. AWS is set to develop around 553 acres of land, with plans to pay $65,000 per acre, totaling $36 million for the property.

Power Supply for the Data Center

In a related development, AWS signed a deal in October 2024 with Energy Northwest. This agreement involves the construction of four small modular reactors (SMRs) that will supply up to 320 megawatts of energy to the new data center.

Importance of the Location

Walla Walla is located in southeast Washington, roughly a four-hour drive from Portland, Oregon. Currently, AWS operates a cloud region in Oregon. Washington is becoming known for its data centers, especially around Seattle and in places like Quincy.

What This Means for Various Stakeholders

This large-scale data center project holds significance for many groups:

• For travelers: Increased tech jobs may boost local economies and tourism.
• For local businesses: More construction and operation jobs could lead to new opportunities.
• For residents: The project could bring infrastructure improvements and economic growth.
• For AWS: This expansion reinforces its position in the tech industry.

“This project is set to change the landscape of Walla Walla, bringing new jobs and opportunities,” said a local business owner.

The Future of Data Centers in Washington

As AWS moves forward with this project, it may influence future data center trends in Washington and beyond. Here are some possible impacts:

• Increased demand for local resources and infrastructure.
• More competition among tech companies for data center locations.
• Potential for environmental considerations as energy needs grow.
• Expansion of skilled workforce in the tech sector.

The development of the Walla Walla data center could serve as a model for future projects, highlighting the importance of location, energy supply, and community involvement.