Richland Parish, LA – Northeast Louisiana is set to experience a generational economic transformation as Meta unveils plans to invest over $13 billion in a state-of-the-art data center in Richland Parish. This groundbreaking project is projected to result in 500 or more direct new jobs, more than 1,000 indirect jobs and 5,000 construction workers at peak. A project of this magnitude positions the region as a prime location for global technological investment.
“Today, Louisiana begins a new chapter. Today, we are delivering new jobs and economic growth on a scale unimaginable before we took office,” Governor Jeff Landry said. “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. I thank Meta for their commitment to our state, and to the State Legislature for positioning Louisiana to win this project by passing new tax reform legislation that attracts capital investment and improves Louisiana’s business tax climate.”
Meta selected Richland Parish for its reliable, low-cost energy, flat and developable land, and Louisiana’s business-friendly environment, championed by Governor Landry. The data center will act as a catalyst for the local economy, opening opportunities for further developments across Northeast Louisiana.
“This project will create a transformational change for the residents of the entire Northeast Louisiana region,” said Rob Cleveland, President of Grow NELA. “Meta’s commitment to Richland Parish is the result of more than 20 years of investment and partnership by Louisiana Economic Development, property owners, and community leaders, all focused on creating new jobs for local residents. On behalf of the residents of Northeast Louisiana, we want to thank Meta and Entergy for their vision and investment in our community.”
The success of this project is the direct result of a collaborative effort among Meta, Entergy Louisiana, Louisiana Economic Development, Grow NELA, as well as state, regional, & local stakeholders. LED expects the project, one of the largest private capital investments in the state’s history, to spark new economic activity and investments throughout Northeast Louisiana as multiple industries benefit from the billions of dollars invested. Meta is dedicated to fostering long-term economic growth and community vitality in the regions where they operate by creating local jobs, partnering with local businesses, and supporting educational institutions.
“This project is an example of what Louisiana can accomplish when economic development partners play offense rather than waiting for good projects to come to them,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “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. Meta’s historic investment is just the beginning of a bold strategy to drive economic growth through AI, expand and diversify the state’s tech sector, and prove to the world that when Louisiana says that we are ready to compete on the global stage, we mean business.”
Hyperscaler data centers like the one planned for Richland Parish are massive facilities designed to process the enormous data needs of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence workloads. Meta’s data center, the largest of its more than 20 worldwide, will extend over one mile in length at its peak.
“Meta is building the future of human connection and the technology that makes it possible. And this data center will be an important part of that mission,” said Kevin Janda, Director of Data Center Strategy. “Richland Parish in Louisiana is an outstanding location for Meta to call home for a number of reasons. It provides great access to infrastructure, a reliable grid, a business-friendly climate, and wonderful community partners that have helped us move this project forward. We’re thrilled to be a new member of the Richland Parish community and are committed to investing in its long-term vitality.”
Entergy Louisiana will support the data center’s energy demands by adding clean, efficient power plants to its grid and delivering 1,500 MW of new renewable energy through its Geaux Zero program. Meta has committed to matching 100% of its electricity use with renewable energy and contributing up to $1 million annually to Entergy’s “The Power to Care” low-income ratepayer support program, a figure matched by Entergy. The company is also prioritizing water stewardship, pledging to restore more water than the center consumes through restoration projects in Louisiana.
“This partnership underscores Entergy Louisiana’s commitment to powering progress and driving innovation,” Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May said. “By supporting this transformational investment, we are not only delivering the energy needed today, but also building the infrastructure that will support a brighter, more sustainable future for all of Louisiana. Together, we’re laying the foundation for economic growth that will benefit generations to come. We could not be more proud to play a critical role in this monumental endeavor.”
To ensure the local workforce is prepared for both the construction and operation of the facility, Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) has committed $250,000 in Workforce Rapid Response funding to Louisiana Delta Community College. These funds will help scale construction trades programs to meet immediate needs and develop specialized curricula for data center operations in partnership with experienced peer institutions.
“The parish is excited about the project we look forward to assisting in every way,” Richland Parish Supervisor Joey Evans said. “I am so proud of the collaboration and cooperation among our state, regional, parish and local partners. The manner in which the communities of Rayville, Holly Ridge and Delhi came together to make this project a reality speaks volumes about our parish’s ability to rise to any challenge.”
Meta expects construction to continue through 2030 with site work beginning in December. The company 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.
For more information about this project and how it will shape the future of Northeast Louisiana, please visit www.neladatacenter.com or contact info@neladatacenter.com.
About Grow NELA
Grow NELA provides solutions-based assistance for business, industry and municipalities. Grow NELA delivers visible, impactful results that attract new jobs, expand the tax base, grow the population, and create more wealth for all residents of the 10-parish Northeast Louisiana region.