MONROE, Louisiana (June 16, 2025) – A newly released economic impact study commissioned by Grow NELA shows just how transformative Meta’s $10 billion artificial intelligence data center project in Richland Parish will be for Northeast Louisiana. The report, prepared by Ginovus, an independent and globally recognized economic development consultancy, outlines powerful, quantifiable gains to jobs, wages, and tax revenues, underscoring the scale of growth now underway across both the Local Region (Richland and Ouachita Parishes) and the broader Northeast Louisiana Region (10 total parishes).
“This is the first independent study that quantifies the billions of new dollars that will be created, spent and distributed, not only in Richland Parish, but throughout all of Northeast Louisiana,” said Rob Cleveland, President & CEO of Grow NELA. “The visible increase in economic activity in the first six months of this project is staggering. Millions of dollars have already been spent with local vendors and suppliers. This analysis provides a deeper dive of the total announced investment, and the figures are even more impressive than expected.”
“Our analysis shows that Meta’s $10 billion investment will generate economic benefits that extend far beyond the construction phase. The multiplier effects we have identified demonstrate how strategic infrastructure investments of this magnitude can fundamentally reshape a regional economy for decades to come,” said Larry Gigerich, Executive Managing Director of Ginovus. “Working with Grow NELA, together we have been able to reveal the remarkable breath of economic opportunity this landmark project represents.”
Local Region Impact: Deep, Immediate, and Lasting
According to the study, construction wages alone are projected to total $1.28 billion, with $240 million of that directly flowing into the pockets of workers from Ouachita and Richland Parishes. Once operational, the Meta and Entergy projects will create 545 direct jobs, with Meta’s average salary estimated at over $75,000—significantly above regional averages.
The Local Region is expected to absorb 63% of the job-related wage impact, generating massive indirect and induced economic benefits across local businesses, housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. Over the 25-year analysis window, Richland Parish is projected to receive nearly $800 million in new property tax revenues created by the projects.
Local governments, whose budgets are driven largely by sales tax, will see a massive windfall of new revenue driven by new consumer spending. An estimated $163 million will be generated in sales tax revenue in the first five years of the project.
NELA Region: A Regional Economic Engine
Beyond the Local Region, the economic impact ripples across all 10 parishes of the Northeast Louisiana Region. The analysis estimates that $320 million in construction wages will be earned by regional residents. Importantly, the majority of the 545 operational jobs and their wages will stay in Northeast Louisiana, with 95% of those positions expected to be filled by local or regional residents.
Cumulatively, new income generated in the Northeast Louisiana Region will fuel growth across sectors like retail, healthcare, housing, and education. These changes are expected to stabilize and expand the regional economy, and serve as a catalyst for future investment.
A Catalyst for Regional Infrastructure and Community Investment
The study also highlights over $200 million in infrastructure investment by Meta, including roads and water systems—improvements that benefit far more than just the data center. Entergy and Meta’s $3.2 billion investment in energy infrastructure further strengthens the region’s grid, with new transmission lines and substations laying the groundwork for future development.
In addition to economic growth, the presence of a global technology company brings quality-of-life improvements—ranging from increased access to private health insurance for hundreds of new employees, to an expected rise in homeownership and local school funding. If 100 new families relocate to Northeast Louisiana due to the Meta project, those families will generate more than $3 million in new healthcare spending.
Growing Excitement Since December Announcement
Since Meta’s official announcement on December 4, 2024, momentum has only grown. National and global media attention—fueled by coverage in the Wall Street Journal and high-profile social media posts—has placed Northeast Louisiana in the international spotlight. Now, with this economic impact analysis in hand, the full picture of what this project means for our communities is becoming clear.
“This analysis confirms what we’ve said from the start—this is not just a win for Richland Parish. This is a win for all of Northeast Louisiana,” said Cleveland. “It’s hard to overstate just how big this moment is. This is the start of a foundational shift in our economic future.”
Economic Impact Analysis
The full economic impact analysis, prepared by Ginovus, can be found here.
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About Grow NELA
Grow NELA is the regional economic development authority representing a 10-parish region in Northeast Louisiana. Grow NELA is a non-profit, investor-governed, economic development organization that accelerates regional opportunities that create new and better jobs, expands the tax base, and generates more wealth for nearly 300,000 people throughout Northeast Louisiana. Grow NELA provides economic development leadership in the parishes of: Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union and West Carroll. For more information, visit www.GrowNELA.com.