By Carla Buntyn, Ph.D.
When I first learned about Amazon Web Services' (AWS) $12 billion data center project in Caddo and Bossier parishes, I wanted to learn more than what I was hearing in the news. I wanted to understand how data centers work and what they could mean for our community.
Like many people, I had questions. Would data centers raise electric bills? Would they use too much water? Would they create loud noise for nearby neighborhoods? Would they provide good-paying jobs? Most importantly, would they benefit Caddo and Bossier parishes?
Instead of relying only on news stories or social media, I decided to do my own research.
Over the past several months, I studied how modern data centers operate, reviewed available information, visited communities with existing data centers, and spoke with people who live near them. During my trips to Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, a region I visit every 90 to 120 days to spend time with family and friends. I made it a point to ask residents about their experiences.
The answers surprised me.
I expected to hear complaints about noise, higher electric bills, or water shortages. Instead, many people said they rarely noticed the data centers. Some said the buildings had simply become part of the community, while others admitted they did not know much about them, even though they lived nearby.
I also talked with people who work in the technology industry. These conversations helped me understand how important data centers are in everyday life. When people stream movies, shop online, store photos, use artificial intelligence, attend online classes, or make virtual doctor's appointments, their information is often processed through a data center.
Every time I visit the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, I see continued economic growth. The region is home to more than 685 data centers, making it one of the largest data center markets in the world. New businesses continue to open, roads and infrastructure continue to improve, and the technology industry continues to expand. Seeing how these facilities operate alongside thriving communities made me wonder what a similar investment could mean for northwest Louisiana.
One place that stood out during my research was Loudoun County, Virginia. It is one of the wealthiest counties in the United States and is home to more than 200 operational data centers. The county has become a global technology hub, and the data center industry has played an important role in its economic growth. Tax revenue generated by the industry helps support public schools, public safety, transportation, and other local government services. Seeing how Loudoun County has grown gave me another example of how data centers can become part of a community while contributing to its economy.
If the data centers are built, Caddo and Bossier parishes are expected to receive new tax revenue. That money could help support schools, roads, public safety, and other community needs.
My research also showed me that many people have heard of data centers but do not fully understand what they do or how they affect local communities. That is why I believe it is important to learn the facts before forming an opinion.
According to AWS, the company plans to invest approximately $12 billion in Caddo and Bossier parishes over the next 20 years.
The project is expected to create about 540 full-time operations jobs, 1,700 indirect jobs, and 1,500 construction jobs. AWS says operations employees are expected to earn an average salary of about $190,000 per year.
AWS also provides cloud computing services for more than 1,000 businesses and organizations across Louisiana and employs approximately 8,500 people in its data center operations.
The investment goes beyond building data centers.
AWS plans to partner with Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC), the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA), and local K-12 schools. These partnerships are designed to prepare students for careers in information technology, cloud computing, engineering, fiber optics, construction, and equipment maintenance.
The workforce plan includes investments in classrooms, training equipment, certification programs, STEM education, and hands-on learning opportunities. These programs are intended to help local students gain the skills needed for future technology jobs.
Infrastructure is another important part of the investment.
The company says it would pay the full cost of the electrical and water infrastructure needed for the project while working with Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and local officials.
The investment also includes approximately $400 million for water infrastructure improvements, electric transmission upgrades, renewable energy projects, and backup power systems.
According to AWS, the cooling systems use outside air whenever possible to reduce water use. Water is recycled several times before it is discharged, and the proposed Blanchard campus would receive its water from Caddo Lake.
Noise has also been a common concern.
AWS has approximately 15 acoustical engineers who help design its data centers using sound-dampening building materials, quieter cooling equipment, generator enclosures, and other engineering features to help reduce noise. I also found no peer-reviewed studies specifically examining noise from AWS data centers.
AWS has already invested about $500,000 in local organizations and says it plans to continue supporting education, workforce development, infrastructure improvements, renewable energy projects, and community partnerships.
Large economic development projects often bring both opportunities and questions. It is important for residents to ask questions, review available information, and carefully consider both the benefits and the challenges before making up their minds.
My goal was never to convince anyone to support or oppose this project. I simply wanted to learn more through research, firsthand observations, and conversations with people who have experience living near data centers.
After visiting communities with data centers and speaking with residents and technology professionals, I gained a better understanding of how these facilities operate. Many of the concerns I had at the beginning did not match what I heard from the people who live near them.
As Caddo and Bossier parishes consider one of the largest private investments in Louisiana's history, I encourage residents to continue asking questions, doing their own research, and making informed decisions based on facts.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.
