Louisiana has been awarded the prestigious Platinum Deal of the Year by Business Facilities magazine for its landmark $10 billion Meta artificial intelligence data center project in Richland Parish. This is the state’s first-ever Platinum award, the highest honor given by the respected national trade publication that recognizes transformational capital investments across the United States.
The Meta AI data center, already under construction, is being hailed as a game-changer for northeast Louisiana and the state as a whole. The project, located on a 2,250-acre site at the former Franklin Farm megasite, represents a historic investment in technology and infrastructure. At its peak, more than 5,000 construction workers will be involved in building the 4-million-square-foot facility, which is expected to generate over 1,000 indirect jobs upon completion.
Key Factors in Securing the Award
Business Facilities credited Louisiana’s “all-of-Louisiana” approach in securing the deal, highlighting:
- Wage Growth: The project’s average salaries will exceed 150% of the state’s per capita income, making a significant impact on local communities.
- Incentives: Louisiana’s newly established data center incentive program provided a competitive edge.
- Infrastructure: Robust local power and water resources were pivotal in attracting Meta to the state.
- Education Partnerships: Collaborations with institutions like Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) are creating curricula tailored to workforce needs in technology and artificial intelligence.
Governor Jeff Landry praised the award as a testament to Louisiana’s commitment to fostering innovation and ensuring rural areas are not left behind. “This prestigious award makes clear that by pursuing major capital investments in technology, we can dramatically improve the lives of Louisiana residents with high-paying jobs that support families and help workers adapt to a fast-changing world,” said Landry.
Transformational Impact
In addition to economic growth, the project emphasizes community development through Meta’s Data Center Community Action Grants. These grants will enhance educational resources in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), preparing the workforce for emerging technologies.
“Louisiana is not only in the game, we are in it to win,” said Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “This project showcases the state’s ability to attract transformational investments and demonstrates to global business leaders that Louisiana is a serious contender in the technology sector.”
A Global Signal
The Platinum award positions Louisiana as a destination for innovation, sending a strong message to CEOs and site selectors worldwide. “The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and the demand for technology capabilities overall spurred significant investment in data centers throughout 2024,” said Business Facilities Editorial Director Anne Cosgrove. “The Meta project represents billions in capital investment and thousands of jobs, reflecting the profound impact of Louisiana’s economic development efforts.”
Looking Ahead
The Meta data center is expected to pave the way for further technological advancements and workforce development in Louisiana. LDCC’s new curriculum will equip students to meet the demands of industries driven by artificial intelligence and data center operations.
For more information on Louisiana’s economic initiatives, visit OpportunityLouisiana.com.