Meta Selects Northeast Louisiana as Site of $10 Billion AI-Optimized Data Center
Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta announced it will build a massive $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in northeast Louisiana, a transformational investment that cements the state’s status as a major innovation hub and puts this picturesque rural community on the leading edge of a global digital revolution.
Meta projects the data center will support 500 or more direct new jobs in Richland Parish with average salaries that are at least 150% of the state per capita average. LED estimates the project will result in the creation of more than 1,000 indirect jobs, for a total of more than 1,500 potential new jobs in the Northeast Region. The company estimates 5,000 construction workers at peak of construction on the 2,250-acre former Franklin Farm megasite that sits between the municipalities of Rayville and Delhi, about 30 miles east of Monroe.
Read More
Economic Impact
Investment
Direct new jobs
Indirect jobs
Construction workers at peak
in local infrastructure improvements, including roads and water infrastructure
‘Louisiana is not only in the game. We are in it to win.’
Business Facilities Magazine, a respected national trade publication favored by site selectors for large businesses, has recognized Louisiana’s $10 billion Meta artificial intelligence data center as its Platinum 2024 Deal of the Year. It is the magazine’s highest honor for major investments in the United States.
Read More
Project Highlights
Louisiana Positioned to be Leader in AI
LED recognizes that fostering innovation is key to continued economic growth and technological advancement, which is why we have already taken significant steps to elevate Louisiana as a leader in artificial intelligence infrastructure and development.
Act 590, best known as the Positioning Louisiana to Win bill, established the state’s first innovation focus area, team and leadership within LED. It is a crucial initiative aimed at driving innovation across our legacy industries and preparing our state for the future by giving technology-based companies the tools to grow and thrive here.
The Legislature and Gov. Jeff Landry also moved swiftly to enact Act 730, designed to attract billions of dollars in capital investment in AI infrastructure during a wave of unprecedented data center investment by the big tech companies.
By laying this groundwork, we are ensuring that AI’s immense potential can be fully harnessed for the benefit of our economy and workforce.
JOSH FLEIG, LED Chief Innovation Officer (excerpted from his 10.10.24 Letter to the Editor in The Advocate)
Learn More
Louisiana Advantages for Data Center Investment
Growing Tech Sector
Louisiana has a rapidly growing software and technology sector throughout the state. Globally recognized companies are hiring for a range of positions in the technology space, including software developers to project managers, system engineers, app developers and designers. Explore the tech industry in Louisiana and view available opportunities.
Learn More
617 North Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802-5239 800.450.8115 | 225.342.3000 [email protected]
Email LED
446 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225.381.5826 Contact Entergy
Visit Website
Northeast Louisiana Economic Development