Meta to build $10 Billion AI data center in Richland Parish

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced plans to invest $10 billion in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) data center in Richland Parish, making it one of Louisiana’s largest private capital projects.

The facility will be built on the former Franklin Farms site between Rayville and Delhi.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, alongside Meta officials, made the announcement Wednesday morning, Dec. 4. Landry hailed the project as a transformative opportunity for the region.

“In the world of technology and innovation, we now announce the Meta Artificial Intelligence Optimized Data Center,” said Landry.

Landry credited former Congressman Ralph Abraham for their joint efforts in exploring the area’s potential. He emphasized the importance of the project in delivering jobs and economic growth to Northeast Louisiana.

At the peak of construction, the project is expected to employ 5,000 workers on-site. Once operational, the state-of-the-art facility will demand significant power infrastructure, prompting Entergy to develop new power plants. Meta has pledged to match its energy consumption with renewable sources.

Local and state officials expressed excitement and gratitude for Meta’s decision to choose Richland Parish.

“They’re going to remember this as the day that Louisiana was transformed,” said U.S. Representative Julia Letlow, who represents Louisiana’s 5th District.

State Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews echoed Letlow’s sentiment:

“To Meta, for choosing Richland Parish, for choosing us to become your partner and building the future of human connection and the technology to provide for it, we are forever grateful.”

Construction is set to begin in December, with the data center scheduled for completion by 2030.

For updates on the project, stay tuned to KNOE 8 News.

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