Amazon Eyes 1,000 Acres in West Richland for Potential Data Center Project
Amazon has purchased 1,000 acres in West Richland's Lewis and Clark Ranch area and is considering a data center campus that could include up to 21 buildings and create more than 1,000 jobs. The West Richland City Council is reviewing interim regulations for the potential development, while a local opposition group is urging residents to attend the meeting.
Amazon confirmed it purchased 1,000 acres within West Richland, Washington, for potential development of a large data center campus in the Lewis and Clark Ranch area. The company is initially considering a three-building facility, but said the project could ultimately include as many as 21 buildings and employ more than 1,000 people. No development applications have been submitted.
The West Richland City Council is scheduled to consider recommendations and temporary data center regulations at its Nov. 3 meeting. The proposed rules would allow data centers in the city's Mixed-Use/Light Industrial zoning district and remain in effect for six months while city staff, the Planning Commission and the council develop permanent regulations. The Tri-Cities Data Center Watch Facebook group is opposing the proposal and encouraging residents to provide public input.