Governor Josh Shapiro announced that an investment was being made by Amazon to build artificial intelligence centers in Pennsylvania. Many small companies are showing interest in the region for their own data centers. The Altoona Mirror wrote an article featuring the President/CEO of Altoona Blair County Development Corp., Steve McKnight. Read a portion of the story below and click the link to read more.
Story below as published in the Altoona Mirror by Conner Goetz on June 12, 2025
Regional business leaders weigh in on Amazon data centers
Questions remain amid the excitement surrounding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s recent announcement of $20 billion in new investment from Amazon to build two artificial intelligence centers in the commonwealth.
Another round of Amazon financing could permanently alter a region’s economic future, based on Monday’s announcement that outlines Salem Township and Falls Township as the “first” recipients of the investment, which will create over 1,250 jobs.
While “multiple additional Pennsylvania communities are under consideration,” according to Amazon, no one knows what’s next for the online commerce giant’s investment portfolio.
Smaller companies show interest
“There has been interest from data center representatives in Blair County. It is a very active time as they evaluate energy availability, supply and overall site readiness here and throughout the commonwealth,” McKnight said, adding that this interest is ongoing.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE: Regional business leaders weigh in on Amazon data centers | News, Sports, Jobs – Altoona Mirror
