Richland Parish, Louisiana – Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced plans to build a massive $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in northeast Louisiana. The project, which is expected to create over 500 direct new jobs, more than 1,000 indirect jobs, and 5,000 construction workers at peak, will be the largest private capital investment in the state’s history.
The expansive technology campus will occupy 4 million square feet on the 2,250-acre former Franklin Farm mega site in Richland Parish. According to Governor Jeff Landry, the project cements Louisiana’s status as a major innovation hub and puts the rural community on the leading edge of a global digital revolution.
“Today, Louisiana begins a new chapter,” Governor Landry said. “Today, we are delivering new jobs and economic growth on a scale unimaginable before we took office. 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.”
Kevin Janda, Meta Director of Data Center Strategy, stated that Richland Parish in Louisiana is an outstanding location for the data center due to its great access to infrastructure, a reliable grid, a business-friendly climate, and wonderful community partners.
LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois praised the project, stating that it is an example of what Louisiana can accomplish when economic development partners play offense rather than waiting for good projects to come to them. Bourgeois added that Louisiana has been actively positioning itself as a hub for AI innovation, with plans to support startups, grow a skilled workforce, and shape forward-thinking policy.
To power the data center, Entergy will add clean, efficient power plants to its system to meet growing power demands. Meta has pledged to match its electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy and will be working with Entergy to bring at least 1,500 MW of new renewable energy to the grid through its Geaux Zero program. Additionally, Meta has committed to contribute up to $1 million a year to Entergy’s “The Power to Care” low-income ratepayer support program.
Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May stated that the partnership underscores Entergy Louisiana’s commitment to powering progress and driving innovation. May added that by supporting this transformational investment, Entergy is not only delivering the energy needed today but also building the infrastructure that will support a brighter, more sustainable future for all of Louisiana.
In addition to Meta’s commitment to match its electricity usage with clean and renewable energy, the company prioritizes water stewardship in its operations, including minimizing water use at its data centers. Meta has pledged to restore more water than it consumes at this data center by investing in water restoration projects in Louisiana.
To support the construction and operation of the data center, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) has committed $250,000 in Workforce Rapid Response funding to Delta Community College to develop programs and expand capacity. Delta will scale up its construction trades programs to meet the initial construction needs and partner with peer institutions experienced in developing and delivering curricula for data center operations.
Construction on the data center is expected to continue through 2030, with site work beginning in December. Meta has also committed to invest more than $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, including roads and water systems.
The company is expected to take advantage of a new Louisiana incentive program, established by Act 730, that offers qualifying projects a state and local sales and use tax rebate on the purchase or lease of data center equipment. Meta is also expected to participate in the state’s Quality Jobs program.
The project is expected to create a transformational change for the residents of the entire Northeast Region, according to Grow NELA President and CEO Rob Cleveland. Cleveland added that Meta chose northeast Louisiana due to the availability of reliable, low-cost energy, access to flat, developable land, and a business-friendly environment led by Governor Landry.
“This project opens the floodgates for data center development in Louisiana, and we are prepared for what’s ahead,” Cleveland said.