Amazon Data Center FAQ & Discussion

Photo Courtesy of Wilmington News Journal

"I think that had this presentation been out a whole lot earlier, a lot of the issues that are running around right now would have been toned down," stated Robert Gross during comments at the Wilmington City Council and Clinton County Port Authority (CCPA) first public meeting on November 25, 2025, to discuss a proposed Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center at 1488 South US-68.

The sale of the farm land was between a private land owner and AWS, not guided by any public entity. AWS chose the location due to its proximity to the city's wastewater treatment plant, making necessary water and sewer infrastructure improvements, estimated at $25M, financially viable. Also, the 471-acre property can host both the data center plus a 500ft noise and light buffer for residents.

The CCPA stated that the $4B investment is the "largest investment in [Clinton County's] history" and the project will "serve as a safety net of economic activity in an uncertain time." The project guarantees 100 permanent jobs with an $8M annual payroll. The CCPA also speculated that infrastructure improvements could encourage more housing development.

The Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) Agreement includes a $1.85M one-time community benefit payment and an estimated $22K annually to the city and schools.

The CCPA addressed community concerns over water and environmental issues, stating that the city is already contracted to receive 7M gallons of water from Caesar Creek—which has an estimated 27M to 35M gallons of excess capacity—and that the city has never used half of its allotment. AWS's water usage will help offset unused water costs, and AWS data centers discharge water meets all local water and sewer requirements.

The CCPA also stated that Ohio is part of a 13-state electric grid, so residents do not pay more or less for electricity based upon what happens in Wilmington. Instead, costs are distributed, and benefits are concentrated to areas with projects like the AWS data center.

At the city council meeting on December 4, 2025, Councilman Knowles stated, "Hilliard... is having all these problems after signing the CRA agreement with AWS." Councilman Nanstad later responded, "I think with any conversation, there's sides... I asked [the city manger in Hilliard] directly, 'is AWS a good corporate citizen,' and he said, 'they have been outstanding.'" CCPA Economic Development Director Roth clarified that the issues Knowles mentioned were under the jurisdiction of the Ohio Power Siting Board and the electric company. Council President Purkey encouraged continued "due diligence."

Learn more at chooseclintoncountyoh.org or watch past meetings at wilmingtonohio.gov.