AWS emerges as force behind Tucson data hub, faces water use uproar

Amazon Web Services is driving “Project Blue,” a 290-acre data center campus in Tucson, despite attempts to keep its role private. County documents exposed AWS’s involvement, igniting local backlash over plans to use drinking water for cooling. With construction starting in 2026 and council votes looming, community groups are pushing back, raising environmental concerns as Amazon and developers move ahead with rezoning and expansion plans.