# Data Centers Transform Rural Communities

> Amazon's $10 billion data center project in Mississippi creates jobs but raises environmental concerns.
- Title: Data Centers Transform Rural Communities · Valleynewslive
- Summary: Amazon's $10 billion data center project in Mississippi creates jobs but raises environmental concerns. Amazon's $10 billion data center investment in…
- Keywords: amazon web services, mississippi, data centers, canton, aws, rural communities, water usage, energy consumption, news, local, Data, Centers
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/24/how-data-centers-shift-landscape-rural-communities
- Published: 2026-09-24T12:11:26.977+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: amazon web services, mississippi, data centers, canton, aws, rural communities, water usage, energy consumption, news, local
## Amazon's Mississippi Data Center Investment
Amazon Web Services announced two data centers in central Mississippi, a $10 billion investment.
## Local Business Growth
Chad Wages, an engineering firm owner, went from four to 18 employees after AWS construction began.

> I try to make sure my employees understand the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
## Education Opportunities
Dwight Luckett, Canton Public School superintendent, said AWS funding could help attract teachers and build workforce training programs.

> Students now will have the opportunity to get right out of high school, they will be able to go into those programs and start actually working, okay, and earn $50,000, $60,000 or more.
## Environmental Concerns
Abre' Conner, NAACP director, warned data centers often harm disadvantaged communities through pollution and water use.

> Companies really need to ask themselves, is what I’m building, would I want that to be next to my home?
## Temporary Job Surge
AWS construction creates a temporary job boost, with 1,000 permanent jobs once construction ends.

> It does. It does. You always have to be looking for the future.
## National Data Center Trends
Over 3,000 U.S. data centers operate nationwide, with 67% in rural areas and high water usage concerns.
## Key takeaway

Amazon's $10 billion data center investment in Mississippi generates 1,000 permanent jobs but increases water and energy use in rural areas.