Meta's Game-Changer: $10 Billion AI Data Center in Richland Parish

Published On Thu Dec 05 2024

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

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has unveiled plans to invest $10 billion in constructing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana. This project is set to become one of the largest private capital undertakings in the state.

The future facility will be situated on the former Franklin Farms site located between Rayville and Delhi. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, in collaboration with Meta officials, disclosed this significant development on Wednesday morning, December 4th.

Meta picks Louisiana as site of $10B AI optimized data center

Transformative Opportunity for the Region

Governor Landry described the Meta Artificial Intelligence Optimized Data Center as a groundbreaking initiative in the realms of technology and innovation. He commended the efforts of former Congressman Ralph Abraham in identifying the region's potential and highlighted the project's potential to generate employment opportunities and foster economic prosperity in Northeast Louisiana.

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During the construction peak, the project is anticipated to provide jobs for approximately 5,000 workers on-site. Once operational, the advanced facility will necessitate substantial power infrastructure, leading Entergy to construct new power plants to meet the demand. Meta has committed to offsetting its energy consumption by utilizing renewable sources.

Gratitude for Meta's Decision

Local and state officials expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for Meta's selection of Richland Parish as the project location. U.S. Representative Julia Letlow, representing Louisiana's 5th District, stated, "They're going to remember this as the day that Louisiana was transformed."

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State Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews echoed Letlow's sentiment, conveying gratitude to Meta for choosing Richland Parish as their partner in shaping the future of human connection and the technology to support it.

Construction is slated to commence in December, with the data center's anticipated completion by 2030. For further updates on the project, continue to follow KNOE 8 News.

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