From Wallula Gap to West Richland and Richland’s Horn Rapids corridor, Eastern Washington is rapidly emerging as a major data center corridor, bringing both opportunity and complex questions about infrastructure, energy and economic impact.

But the boom also has sparked debate.

Data centers require vast amounts of electricity and water, create relatively few permanent jobs once construction ends, and can put pressure on local infrastructure if growth outpaces planning. Those realities deserve serious consideration even as the region competes for investment.

Washington set a new record for data center leasing in 2025, with Central Washington’s inventory nearly doubling to over 400 megawatts as demand surges, especially from cloud and AI providers, according to CBRE Group Inc., a Dallas-based commercial real estate services and investment firm.

About 35 miles south of us, Hermiston, Oregon, is already a recognized regional leader in data center development. With multiple operational campuses – driven by Amazon Web Services – Hermiston’s proactive planning and rapid growth sets a high bar. Its experience offers valuable lessons and momentum for the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities, as these hubs strengthen the Pacific Northwest’s digital infrastructure.

Major regional projects underway include:
• A roughly $4.8 billion data center campus at Wallula Gap, led by Amazon Web Services and planned as a multiphase build spanning millions of square feet. Read more on page B1.
• A developer who has expressed interest in developing a large data center campus in West Richland.
• An option agreement in Richland with Atlas Agro for hundreds of acres at Horn Rapids Road that could host data centers.

Energy innovation is also central to the region’s strategy. Energy Northwest and Amazon are advancing small modular reactors near Richland to deliver clean, reliable power that can sustain growth into the next decade.

Washington lawmakers are balancing growth incentives with cost management. Recent proposals to revise tax exemptions on server equipment and impose energy and water regulations reflect concerns about environmental impacts and public costs.

Although some efforts have stalled under industry pushback, ongoing policy discussions in Olympia highlight the need for frameworks supporting economic development without sacrificing sustainability or ratepayer equity. These debates will shape Washington’s data center future – and how the Tri-Cities competes with Oregon’s established hubs.

The Tri-Cities exemplify how digital infrastructure fuels local economies – from construction jobs to technical employment and expanded tax bases. Yet challenges remain: matching electricity demand, protecting water resources, paying for upgrades and ensuring policies protect ratepayers while enabling growth.

The regional data center boom is coming. With abundant land, affordable clean power and an experienced talent pool, the Tri-Cities can become the nation’s premier digital infrastructure hub. But the real opportunity lies in getting the balance right and pairing rapid growth with environmental responsibility, sound energy planning and meaningful returns for local communities.