(The Center Square) — Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced a historic $10 billion investment in Richland Parish, Louisiana, to build its largest artificial intelligence-optimized data center.
According to Gov. Jeff Landry, the project represents the largest private investment in North Louisiana’s history and promises to bring thousands of jobs, infrastructure improvements, and sustainability initiatives to the region.
The 4-million-square-foot facility is expected to create over 5,000 construction jobs, 500 permanent direct positions and thousands of indirect jobs through its ripple effects.
Additionally, Meta is committing over $200 million to upgrade local roads and water systems, ensuring the project delivers long-term benefits to the surrounding communities.
The company’s impact extends beyond infrastructure. Meta will launch a Community Action Grants Program aimed at supporting local schools and organizations with initiatives that leverage technology for public benefit.
The program will enhance education in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics and provide free digital skills training for small businesses and nonprofits to grow their online presence.
Richland Parish School System Superintendent Sheldon Jones said that the school board has been in discussions with Meta to provide for internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
The data center will operate entirely on clean, renewable energy, with Meta partnering with Entergy to bring 1,500 megawatts of new renewable power to the grid.
Water efficiency is also prioritized, with the facility designed to use less water than the site has historically consumed, aligning with Meta’s global goal of becoming water-positive by 2030 — restoring more water than it uses.
“This is about more than building a facility. It’s about strengthening communities and creating real opportunities,” said Kevin Janda, director of Data Center Infrastructure at Meta. “We couldn’t be more excited to call Richland Parish our home and look forward to a strong, mutually beneficial partnership for years to come.”
State leaders celebrated the announcement as a generational opportunity for Louisiana.
U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, R-La., praised the collaborative effort that brought the project to fruition, describing it as “a day that transforms Louisiana.”
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., highlighted the importance of visionary leadership and broadband expansion in making Louisiana a more attractive place for investments of this magnitude. Cassidy also highlighted the contributions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“This didn’t happen by accident,” Cassidy said in a video message. “It’s the result of strategic planning, dedicated leadership, and a commitment to turning opportunity into reality.”
