Locals gather for a peaceful protest against data centers

A group of about 50 Vicksburg residents gathered on Dana Road in Warren County to protest the construction of a new Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center. The protest, which took place near Dana Road Elementary School, saw participants displaying handmade signs and wearing bright colors to draw attention to their concerns.

Opposition stems from fears that the data center will increase local energy and water costs, in addition to posing potential health risks related to noise, light, and air pollution, as well as wastewater issues, according to information from The Environmental Health Project. However, some residents also expressed support for the project, citing the economic benefits it is expected to bring.

The AWS data center represents a $3 billion capital investment, marking the largest in Warren County's history. Announced by the Vicksburg-Warren Economic Development Partnership in November 2025, the project is projected to create at least 200 new high-tech direct jobs and an estimated 500 additional indirect jobs across the region. State and local economic development officials, along with Entergy Mississippi, worked for over two and a half years to secure the project, with Vicksburg and Warren County's pro-business environment and site availability being key factors.

Entergy Mississippi CEO Haley Fisackerly addressed concerns about rising electric costs, stating that measures have been taken to partner with AWS. Fisackerly assured that any increased costs would be passed directly to the data center through a carefully constructed contract involving Entergy Mississippi, AWS, and the state of Mississippi.