The proposed Amazon data center Richmond County project has reached another milestone as North Carolina regulators review air quality permits connected to the planned $10 billion technology campus.
The development, planned near Hamlet, would become one of the largest private investments in the region. While the project is outside Moore County, it could have long-term economic benefits across the Sandhills through job creation, infrastructure improvements and regional business growth.
State agencies are currently accepting public input as part of the environmental review process before any final permits are issued.
Amazon Data Center Richmond County Project Continues Through Permitting
The proposed campus would include multiple data center buildings supported by backup power systems while providing the computing infrastructure that powers cloud services used by businesses, governments and consumers around the world.
As part of the review process, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is evaluating draft air quality permits for both Amazon and Duke Energy. State officials say the permits are required before construction and operation can move forward.
According to state regulators, the project is expected to meet North Carolina’s health-based air quality standards if approved.
Regional Impact for the Sandhills
Although the development is located in neighboring Richmond County, projects of this size often have regional impacts. Residents of Moore County, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and surrounding communities could benefit from additional employment opportunities, construction activity and future business investment.
Large-scale developments can also increase demand for local contractors, suppliers and support services throughout the Sandhills region.
At the same time, environmental questions remain part of the public review process. Community members have the opportunity to comment on the draft permits before state regulators make a final decision.
What Happens Next?
A public hearing on the draft permits is scheduled for late July in Rockingham, giving residents an opportunity to provide comments and ask questions about the project.
The public comment period will remain open through the end of July before the Department of Environmental Quality determines whether to issue the permits.
More information about the review process is available through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the Duke Energy.
As the permitting process continues, the Amazon data center Richmond County project will remain one of the largest economic development stories affecting the greater Sandhills region.
Stay with Star 102.5 for continuing coverage of this story and more local news from across Moore County and the Sandhills.
