Data Center FAQs

Amazon Web Services (AWS), a global leader in cloud and artificial intelligence computing with an extensive infrastructure footprint in Ohio, is proposing to develop a hyperscale data center campus in Wilmington, Ohio. The campus will consist of multiple buildings with state-of-the-art cooling and power infrastructure, providing high connectivity to the AWS global network.

The project will be developed on a 471-acre parcel on the south side of the city at 1488 S US 68, Wilmington, OH 45177.

The annexation of the Project Site was approved by Wilmington City Council on August 7, 2025, after following the Type 2 Expedited Annexation Process set out in Ohio Revised Code 709.023.

Yes. The Project Site is zoned Light Industrial, recommended by the City of Wilmington’s Planning Commission on July 1, 2025, and subsequently approved by Wilmington City Council on August 7, 2025.

In addition, an amendment to the Zoning Code adding “Use-Specific Requirements” for data centers was recommended by the City of Wilmington’s Planning Commission on June 3, 2025, and approved by Wilmington City Council on July 17, 2025. As a part of the City’s Zoning Code, the following will be required as part of any data center project:

• A formal noise study as part of the site plan approval to prove the development will comply with the City’s Noise Regulations (Section 1151.04(m)(2)).
• Visual Screening & Mitigation Requirements for all equipment necessary for cooling, ventilating, or otherwise operating the facility. This project would include an engineered berm to further address noise and aesthetic concerns.
• A minimum 200-foot setback from residential areas. This project would be set back over 500 feet.

First and foremost, Clinton County will see the largest investment in its history, investment that will propel the local construction and skilled trades industry for nearly a decade of locally contracted work. The project will serve as a safety net of economic activity in an uncertain time when most economists point to artificial intelligence and the build-out of data centers as a significant factor in economic productivity for Ohio and the United States, while other industries and sectors are facing weakening economic activity.

Usually, these costs are shared by the company and the community, with the community responsible for undertaking the construction. For this project, however, all infrastructure upgrades will be paid for by AWS. No local governments or taxpayers will be paying for the $25+ million in shared public infrastructure capital expenses (roads, water & sewer, etc.). In addition, AWS is responsible for constructing the new infrastructure to the City’s specifications and to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.

The City of Wilmington closely monitors its water supply and treatment capacity to ensure it can continue to serve its existing residents and businesses while supporting future growth. The City will not commit to providing water that would threaten existing residents and business or future growth opportunities. In addition, the City will be the only source of water and the project will not involve any on-site wells.

Water Sources

The City of Wilmington holds a long-term purchase contract with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for water from Caesar Creek Reservoir. It has historically been unable to sell all of the contracted water, meaning that the City has been paying for water it has not used. The water used by this project will help the City meet its purchase contract.

Caesar Creek Lake has an estimated 27 to 35 million gallons of excess water capacity. The City of Wilmington is the only entity drawing from that source. The City of Wilmington also has its own reservoirs supplying additional and redundant water. The City pays for 7 million gallons of water from Caesar Creek Reservoir per day but has never – even at its peak – used half of that allotment.

Water Treatment

In addition, the City’s Water Treatment Plant has more than enough existing capacity to bring this project on as a customer. The current Plant is permitted for up to 4 million-gallons-per-day and the City, on average, produces 2.2 to 2.8 million-gallons-per-day.

At full build-out, this project will not be the largest water user in the City. It will not drain our community’s water resources. In fact, it will pay for water already being purchased by the City, helping to defray the City’s overall water costs.

AWS holds itself as a steward of environmental sustainability. You can find additional information on the company’s environmental sustainability efforts at https://aws.amazon.com/sustainability/data-centers/. 

• The State of Ohio provides Data Center Tax Credits which provide a sales- and use-tax exemption on eligible data center equipment and related purchases if the project meets certain thresholds (e.g. at least $100 million capital investment and at least $1.5 million annual payroll). The State of Ohio, via the Ohio Department of Development, has already awarded this incentive to the Project. No local government in Clinton County had any control over this incentive.
• Community Reinvestment Area (CRA): Local governments in Ohio can designate an area, approve projects, and give tax exemptions on property improvements for a defined period if the developer meets job, payroll, and investment thresholds as well as other negotiated community benefits.
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF): TIFs capture the increase in property tax revenue resulting from the increase in value of a new development. The City of Wilmington intends to establish a TIF for this project to capture that revenue, none of which will go to benefit AWS or the project. Rather, the funds will be used to pay for public infrastructure improvements without the need to raise taxes on existing residents or businesses.