Meta’s investment in Richland Parish earns Louisiana Business Facilities’ highest honor

RICHLAND PARISH, La. (KNOE) – Business Facilities magazine recognized Louisiana with one of its most prestigious awards thanks to Meta’s multi-billion dollar investment in Northeast Louisiana.

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Louisiana was awarded the Business Facilities Platinum 2024 Deal of the Year, the magazine’s highest honor for major investments in the United States.

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Governor Jeff Landry announced Meta’s major investment in Richland Parish at the Rayville Civic Center on Dec. 4, 2024.

The 4 million square foot data center is under construction at the old Franklin Farm mega site about 30 miles east of Monroe. Meta said this is the company’s largest investment yet.

2024 is the first time Louisiana has been recognized with the magazine’s highest honor.

“This prestigious award makes clear that by pursuing major capital investments in technology, we can dramatically improve the lives of Louisiana residents with high-paying jobs that support families and help workers all across our state adapt to a fast-changing world,” Landry said. “We are making good on our commitment to not leave rural areas behind as we position Louisiana as a global leader in innovation.”

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The Louisiana Economic Development estimates the data center will create more than 1,000 indirect jobs. Meta said it projects more than 5,000 construction workers will be employed to help build the center.

Business Facilities said the scale of Meta’s investment, the jobs that will potentially be created, and potential workers’ salaries along with Louisiana’s new data center incentive program, education partnerships, and local power and water infrastructure were all considered when awarding the 2024 Deal of the Year.

“The 2024 Platinum Deal of the Year award sends CEOs and site selectors around the world a powerful message: Louisiana is not only in the game, we are in it to win,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois.

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