Delta Forge 1 will create 418 potential jobs and establish a major AI and cloud computing hub in Rapides Parish
Applied Digital Corporation will invest $3.6 billion to develop a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence factory campus in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, marking a major economic development win for Central Louisiana and strengthening the region’s role in the nation’s expanding AI infrastructure sector.
The project, known as Delta Forge 1, will be located in Boyce, Louisiana, and will become Applied Digital’s first location in the state. The campus is designed to support large-scale AI training, inference, cloud computing and high-performance computing workloads.
Initial operations are expected to begin in mid-2027.
Project Highlights
The Delta Forge 1 project is expected to deliver significant economic impact for Rapides Parish and the Central Region, including:
- $3.6 billion capital investment
- 200 new full-time, on-site jobs
- Salaries at 150 percent of the state average wage
- More than 1,000 construction jobs at peak construction
- An estimated 218 indirect jobs
- 418 total potential new job opportunities in Central Louisiana
- Approximately 300 acres of development
- Two initial facilities totaling 300 megawatts of critical IT load
- Direct access to energy infrastructure
- Use of Applied Digital’s closed-loop cooling technology
“Louisiana is leading America’s industrial renaissance while staying committed to the principles outlined in President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, protecting reliability, affordability and the long-term interests of consumers,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Global companies are choosing Louisiana because they see a state where every region is prepared to deliver at scale, with the infrastructure, workforce and leadership needed to support the technologies and industries shaping the future economy.”
AI Infrastructure Investment Expands in Central Louisiana
Applied Digital designs, builds and operates data centers and colocation services for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and high-performance computing. The Delta Forge 1 campus is purpose-built for high-density computing environments and will support the growing demand for large-scale digital infrastructure.
The project also represents a major advancement for Central Louisiana’s technology sector, positioning Rapides Parish to compete for future investments tied to AI, data centers, advanced computing and digital infrastructure.
“Central Louisiana is exactly the kind of community we had in mind when we set out to build Applied Digital — a region with strong roots, abundant potential, and people who understand the value of long-term investment,” said Applied Digital Chairman and CEO Wes Cummins. “We’re honored to bring Delta Forge 1 to Rapides Parish, and we are committed to being a supportive, engaged partner in this community for the long haul. Our hope is that this campus becomes a source of opportunity and pride for the people of Central Louisiana for generations to come.”
Site development began in January 2026, with initial operations planned for mid-2027.
Louisiana Competes for AI, Cloud Computing and Data Center Growth
State leaders said the Applied Digital investment reflects Louisiana’s increasingly competitive position for major technology infrastructure projects. With available industrial sites, energy resources and regional workforce partnerships, the state continues to position itself for investment in AI, advanced manufacturing, logistics, energy and digital infrastructure.
“Today, Louisiana is competing differently,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “With stronger alignment, greater speed and a clear focus, we are seeing unprecedented momentum and growth reach every region of our state. This announcement reinforces that global technology companies see Louisiana as a place where they can expand, scale and invest with confidence while creating meaningful outcomes for our people and communities.”
Cleco to Support Power Needs for Delta Forge 1
Cleco will provide power to support Applied Digital’s AI factory campus, helping meet the energy needs of the large-scale data center and high-performance computing operation.
“This is the largest economic development opportunity in Cleco’s 90-plus year history and reflects the region’s growing competitive position for major infrastructure and technology investments,” said Cleco President and CEO Bill Fontenot. “This investment reflects the potential that many of us here in Central Louisiana have long known existed, and we see it as the beginning of even greater possibilities for our region. Cleco is proud to support transformative investments, like the data center project, that deliver meaningful economic impact while maintaining the affordability, reliability and value our customers expect and deserve.”
Applied Digital qualified for Louisiana’s state and local sales and use tax exemption on qualifying purchases or leases of data center equipment, established through Act 730 of the 2024 Regular Legislative Session.
Rapides Parish Positioned for Long-Term Economic Growth
Local economic development leaders said Delta Forge 1 represents one of the most significant investments in the history of Rapides Parish and a defining moment for Central Louisiana’s economic future.
“The Delta Forge 1 investment is a defining moment for Central Louisiana and the England Economic & Industrial Development District as a driver of innovation and opportunity,” said EEIDD Executive Director Ralph Hennessey. “This project represents the type of economic progress we were built to attract.”
“This project has the potential to be one of the most transformational in the history of Rapides Parish, surpassing even the major industrial investments of the 1950s and 60s,” said Louisiana Central President and CEO Chris Masingill. “In both scale and impact, it positions Central Louisiana to compete for major economic opportunities in ways we haven’t seen in generations.”
Vendor and Supplier Opportunities
The project is also expected to create opportunities for Louisiana businesses to participate in the supply chain for major development projects.
Louisiana companies interested in contract and vendor opportunities are encouraged to register at SourceLouisiana.com.
About Applied Digital Corporation
Applied Digital Corporation designs, builds and operates high-performance, sustainably engineered data centers and colocation services for artificial intelligence, cloud, networking and blockchain workloads. Headquartered in Dallas and founded in 2021, the company combines hyperscale expertise, advanced cooling technology and rapid deployment capabilities to deliver scalable compute infrastructure.
Applied Digital was named Best Data Center in the Americas 2025 by Datacloud and operates through its Polaris Forge AI Factory model, which is designed to support high-performance computing while creating economic opportunities in underserved communities.
Learn more at applieddigital.com.
