Expanded Richland Parish project will support 7,500 construction jobs, nearly 3,000 total new jobs, and position Louisiana as a global AI infrastructure leader
HOLLY RIDGE, La. (July 15, 2026) — Meta has announced a dramatic expansion of its Richland Parish Data Center, increasing its investment to more than $50 billion and transforming the Northeast Louisiana campus into one of the largest artificial intelligence data centers ever constructed. The expanded campus will span nearly 10 million square feet and deliver 5 gigawatts (GW) of IT capacity, making it the home of Hyperion, Meta’s largest AI training cluster worldwide.
The announcement marks another milestone in Louisiana’s economic development momentum. Since 2024, the state has secured more than $150 billion in announced capital investment, further strengthening its position as one of the nation’s fastest-growing destinations for advanced manufacturing, technology and digital infrastructure.
Project Highlights
- More than $50 billion total investment
- Nearly 10 million square feet of development
- 5 GW of AI computing capacity
- Home to Meta’s Hyperion AI training cluster
- Expected to support 7,500 peak construction jobs
- Approximately 1,000 permanent operational jobs
- Estimated 1,900 indirect jobs
- Nearly 2,900 total new job opportunities across Northeast Louisiana
Louisiana Becomes a National AI Infrastructure Hub
The expanded facility will become the largest data center in Meta’s global network, positioning Louisiana at the forefront of America’s rapidly growing artificial intelligence economy.
Governor Jeff Landry said the investment demonstrates Louisiana’s ability to attract transformational projects by creating a business climate where major employers can move quickly and scale operations.
“This commitment from Meta puts Louisiana at the center of America’s future in artificial intelligence,” Landry said. “Projects like this don’t just grow our state’s economy—they help ensure America leads the technologies that will define the next generation.”
Massive Economic Impact Already Underway
Meta says construction is already producing significant economic benefits throughout Louisiana.
To date, the company has:
- Awarded more than $1.6 billion in contracts to Louisiana businesses
- Supported thousands of construction jobs
- Invested heavily in workforce training
- Expanded supplier opportunities for Louisiana companies
Rachel Peterson, Meta’s Vice President of Data Centers, said the project is designed to create lasting economic value beyond the facility itself.
“This project has always been about more than building infrastructure—it’s about building alongside the community.”
Source Louisiana Named Primary Supplier Portal
Meta also announced that Source Louisiana will serve as the company’s primary platform for identifying Louisiana subcontractors and suppliers throughout construction and future operations.
The free statewide supplier portal allows Louisiana companies to showcase:
- Business capabilities
- Certifications
- Workforce capacity
- Available services
Businesses Interested in Working with Meta
Louisiana companies can register through:
https://www.SourceLouisiana.com
Workforce Development Investments
Meta is expanding workforce development efforts by selecting Louisiana as one of only four pilot states for its America’s Workforce Academy initiative.
The company is partnering with:
- Louisiana Delta Community College
- University of Louisiana Monroe
- Regional education partners
- Skilled trades programs
The initiative is designed to prepare workers for careers in:
- Data center operations
- Skilled trades
- Construction
- Electrical systems
- AI infrastructure
- Technical maintenance
More Than $1 Million Already Invested in Richland Parish
Since announcing the project in late 2024, Meta has invested over $1 million directly into local communities.
Community investments include:
- School grants across Richland Parish
- Robotics and STEM education
- Small business training
- Youth development programs
- Park improvements
- Community centers
- Recreational facilities
- Historic Cave Theater restoration
- Delhi Civic Center improvements
- Mangham Recreational Complex upgrades
- Rayville Civic Center improvements
Higher sales tax collections generated during construction have also enabled Richland Parish Schools to provide record supplemental payments to teachers and staff.
Infrastructure Expansion Supports Long-Term Growth
To support the expanded campus, Meta and Entergy Louisiana are advancing a major energy infrastructure initiative that includes:
- Seven new natural gas generation plants
- Three grid-scale battery facilities
- Potential nuclear generation expansion
- Increased output from the Waterford 3 Nuclear Station
- Additional purchased power resources
According to Entergy, the agreement is expected to generate more than $2 billion in customer savings while protecting existing ratepayers from infrastructure costs associated with the project.
Meta will also contribute:
- $215 million toward residential energy assistance
- Residential energy efficiency programs
- Up to 2.5 GW of renewable energy development
Sustainability Commitments
Meta says sustainability remains a key component of the project.
Environmental commitments include:
- Returning 100% of facility water consumption to local watersheds
- Wetland restoration projects
- Water infrastructure improvements
- Long-term watershed protection
- Expanded renewable energy investments
Louisiana Continues Historic Investment Momentum
The Meta expansion reinforces Louisiana’s emergence as one of the nation’s fastest-growing destinations for advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence investment.
Since 2024, the state has announced more than $150 billion in new capital investment across multiple industries, positioning Louisiana as a leading location for technology, energy and industrial growth.
The Richland Parish expansion represents one of the largest private technology investments in U.S. history and establishes Northeast Louisiana as a critical hub for the next generation of AI infrastructure.
