Amazon to open Va distribution centers

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Amazon.com plans to invest $135 million in two distribution centers that it will open in the Richmond area in 2012.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch says the centers in Chesterfield and Dinwiddie counties will employ a total 1,350 people.

Gov. Bob McDonnell and Seattle-based Amazon are expected to announce the projects Thursday.

The newspaper says the Chesterfield center will be located in Meadowville Technology Park and will employ about 1,300 workers. The Dinwiddie center will be located in the Dinwiddie Commerce Park and will employ about 350 people.

McDonnell approved grants totaling $3.5 million from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist the counties with the project.

Another $850,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds will be provided for the Dinwiddie project by the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission.

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Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.timesdispatch.com