Richland Parish, LA – In a historic announcement, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, revealed plans to build a $10 billion artificial intelligence-optimized data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana. The project, which will occupy a sprawling 4 million square feet on the 2,250-acre former Franklin Farm mega site, represents the largest private capital investment in Louisiana’s history and is set to create significant economic opportunities across the region.
Governor Jeff Landry lauded the investment as a “game changer” for the state. “Meta’s investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisiana’s rapidly expanding tech sector, revitalizes one of our state’s beautiful rural areas, and creates opportunities for Louisiana workers to fill high-paying jobs of the future,” Landry said.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The project is expected to generate more than 500 direct jobs, 1,000 indirect jobs, and employ 5,000 construction workers at its peak. LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois noted that this initiative would catalyze economic activity across northeast Louisiana, with industries benefiting from Meta’s substantial investment.
“This project demonstrates what Louisiana can achieve by proactively positioning itself as a hub for AI innovation,” Bourgeois said. “Meta’s historic investment is just the beginning of a bold strategy to drive economic growth through AI and diversify the state’s tech sector.”
Commitment to Sustainability
Meta’s data center will be powered entirely by renewable energy, made possible through a partnership with Entergy Louisiana. The company plans to add 1,500 MW of renewable energy to the grid and contribute up to $1 million annually to Entergy’s “The Power to Care” program for low-income ratepayers. Additionally, Meta has pledged to prioritize water stewardship, aiming to restore more water than it consumes at the facility.
Phillip May, President and CEO of Entergy Louisiana, emphasized the transformative nature of the partnership. “We are building the infrastructure to support a brighter, more sustainable future for all of Louisiana,” May said.
Community Investment and Workforce Development
Meta will invest over $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, including roads and water systems. To meet the project’s workforce needs, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) has allocated $250,000 in Workforce Rapid Response funding to Delta Community College. The college will expand its construction trades programs and develop curricula for data center operations.
“This project will create transformational change for the residents of the entire Northeast Region,” said Rob Cleveland, President and CEO of Grow NELA.
Richland Parish Supervisor Joey Evans praised the collaboration that made the project possible. “The communities of Rayville, Holly Ridge, and Delhi came together to make this project a reality, showcasing our parish’s ability to rise to any challenge,” Evans said.
Timeline and Future Plans
Construction on the data center is expected to begin in December 2024 and continue through 2030. Meta will leverage Louisiana’s new incentive program, established by Act 730, which offers sales and use tax rebates on data center equipment, as well as the state’s Quality Jobs program.
“This investment positions Louisiana as a leader in the digital revolution and underscores our ability to compete on a global stage,” Governor Landry said.
As Meta’s largest data center worldwide, this development cements northeast Louisiana’s role in the rapidly growing technology and artificial intelligence sectors, marking a monumental step forward for the region and the state.