Meta’s announcement to build a $10 billion artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Richland Parish, northeast Louisiana, has been hailed as a significant development for the state, with Governor Jeff Landry calling it the largest private capital investment in Louisiana’s history.
The facility, expected to span 4 million square feet, will not only transform the region economically but is also seen as a crucial step in positioning Louisiana as a key player in the AI and tech sectors.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, plans to invest heavily in the area, bringing long-term economic benefits to a rural region that has historically been dependent on agriculture. The new data center is expected to create 500 permanent operational jobs, 5,000 construction jobs at its peak, and stimulate the local economy through infrastructure improvements. The facility’s scale and technological focus make it the largest of Meta’s more than 20 data centers worldwide.
“Meta’s investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisiana’s rapidly expanding tech sector, revitalizing one of our state’s beautiful rural areas,” Governor Landry stated at the announcement.
He emphasized that this project will create high-paying jobs and economic growth, signaling a new chapter for Louisiana.
The center’s construction will begin in December, with completion expected by 2030. Meta’s commitment includes investing more than $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, such as upgrades to roads and water systems, to support the center’s needs. The company has also pledged to match its energy use with 100% renewable energy, working with Entergy Louisiana to bring 1,500 megawatts of new renewable energy to the grid as part of the “Geaux Zero” program.
While the investment has been widely celebrated by local leaders, including bipartisan Congressional representatives, environmental groups have expressed concerns about the energy demands of the data center. Entergy plans to add three natural gas power plants to meet the center’s energy requirements, which some environmental advocates argue could lock the state into more fossil fuel-based infrastructure. However, Meta has pledged to prioritize water stewardship by investing in water restoration projects in the state and minimizing the center’s water consumption.
The development has spurred optimism in the local community, where approximately 25% of the population lives in poverty and the unemployment rate is below 50%. Local officials have expressed pride in the collaborative efforts that brought Meta to Richland Parish, with the area’s access to reliable energy and flat, developable land being key factors in the decision.
This investment is also expected to provide a boost to the local workforce, with Louisiana’s Community and Technical College System contributing $250,000 in Workforce Rapid Response funding to expand training programs at Delta Community College. The educational initiative aims to provide the skilled labor necessary for the data center’s construction and long-term operations.
In the broader context, this project is seen as part of Louisiana’s strategy to establish itself as a hub for AI and tech innovation. State leaders have been working to attract major tech companies through tax incentives and reforms, with Meta’s facility serving as a significant milestone in this ongoing effort.
With input from FOX Business and Governor Jeff Landry Office.
