Amazon eyes West Richland data center, sets open house
Amazon has acquired land at the Lewis and Clark Ranch site in West Richland to explore developing a large data center campus. The preliminary concept could begin with three buildings and eventually expand to 21, but no formal applications or development approvals have been submitted. Amazon will hold a public open house to discuss potential water, energy, noise and environmental impacts.
Amazon has purchased a parcel north of Ruppert Road within West Richland’s Lewis and Clark Ranch site as it evaluates a potential data center campus. Initial plans envision three buildings, 120 to 150 full-time jobs and substantial local tax revenue, with possible expansion to 21 buildings and more than 1,000 permanent positions.
West Richland officials stressed that the proposal remains preliminary and that Amazon has not filed development or permit applications. The city therefore has not yet reviewed project-specific issues such as design, electrical capacity, water use or infrastructure requirements. Amazon plans to host a Nov. 19 open house at Enterprise Middle School where residents can ask about energy demand, water consumption, noise, employment and environmental effects.