RICHMOND COUNTY, N.C. — Amazon Web Services announced new changes and commitments regarding data centers, including a decision to no longer use nondisclosure agreements with government agencies on data center projects, and a new $1 billion community investment program tied to data center construction.
“We no longer use non-disclosure agreements with government agencies we work with on our projects,” said CEO Matt Garman of Amazon Web Services.
Richmond County leaders told Channel 9 they had signed nondisclosure agreements with Amazon before the June 2025 announcement of the new data center off Airport Road.
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Amazon officials said they will engage communities through open houses to share information and encourage an open dialogue on projects.
“We share information about our plans as early as possible, listen to concerns, and ensure communities have the facts and the ability to engage with us as projects progress,” said Garman.
In Garman’s message, he also disputed common misconceptions about data centers regarding water use, electricity costs, pollution, and community benefits.
He said Amazon is committed to protecting communities.
“To ensure that our data centers do not raise electricity bills for people in our communities, we work with local utilities, regulators, policymakers, and grid operators to ensure that the energy prices we pay for our data centers are sufficient to cover both the energy and infrastructure improvements that may be required,” Garman said.
Data centers are essential for national infrastructure, he said.
“There is urgency to this data center buildout because we aren’t the only country that sees the benefits of AI for the economy and national security, and the countries that lead in AI will shape it and get the most from it in the short and long run,” Garman said. “The choices we make today will determine that outcome, and a lapse in our nation’s focus or resolve could put us behind, and potentially irreparably so.”
Amazon also announced “Built Together”, a $1 billion community investment initiative over the next five years focused on areas where it builds data centers. It focuses on three pillars: Education and Workforce Pathways, Community Energy Affordability and Water Solutions, and Community Investment, which includes Flexible Funding for Local Priorities with Communities in the Lead.