Impact of Meta's AI Data Center on NELA
RICHLAND PARISH, La. (KNOE) - Richland Parish is still celebrating the biggest win in the history of Northeast Louisiana. The announcement of Meta’s AI optimized data center took place on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Rayville Civic Center.
Scott Franklin, Director of Richland Parish Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the advantages of the location, stating, “We have the land, we have ample groundwater, which is used; we have one of the highest stables in the world in Richland Parish. One of my contacts at Meta mentioned that they value being able to come to a place where they will transform the entire trajectory of that community.”
Crews have begun preparing the 2,250-acre site for construction, with Mayor Jesse Washington of the Town of Delhi expressing his hopes for growth alongside the technology company. Mayor Washington shared, “I would love to see housing, with all the jobs coming here, we definitely need housing. We’ve been working on this, along with our initiative - putting plans together and I’m fortunate... they chose Delhi to serve them water and sewerage and this is a win-win situation because it’s another revenue avenue for the town of Delhi.”
Franklin mentioned that the company is expected to create around 1,000 indirect jobs in Richland Parish and the surrounding region.
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Franklin emphasized the significant impact on local businesses, stating, “If you are a business that provides a service, this is a life-altering event for you. You know, the guy who sells tires and changes oil, the local dentist - you know, that’s going to be 5,000 more mouths that have to have attention.”
Upon completion, the center will span over 4 million square feet, establishing it as Meta’s largest data center globally.
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