RICHLAND PARISH, La. (KNOE) – Business Facilities magazine has awarded Louisiana one of its most prestigious awards thanks to Meta’s multibillion-dollar investment in Northeast Louisiana.
Louisiana received the Business Facilities Platinum 2024 Deal of the Year award, the magazine’s highest honor for major investments in the United States.
Governor Jeff Landry announced Meta’s major investment in Richland Parish at the Rayville Civic Center on December 4, 2024.
The 4 million square foot data center is being built at the former Franklin Farm megasite, about 30 miles east of Monroe. Meta said it was the company’s largest investment to date.
2024 is the first time Louisiana has received the magazine’s highest honor.
“This prestigious award makes it clear that by pursuing major investments in technology, we can significantly improve the lives of Louisiana residents with good-paying jobs that support families and help workers across the state adapt to a rapidly changing world,” Landry said. . “We are delivering on our commitment to not leave rural areas behind by positioning Louisiana as a global leader in innovation. »
Louisiana Economic Development estimates the data center will create more than 1,000 indirect jobs. Meta said she anticipates 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 worker salaries as well as Louisiana’s new data center incentive program, educational partnerships and local infrastructure d Electricity and water were all taken into account when awarding the 2024 deal.
“The 2024 Platinum Deal of the Year award sends a powerful message to CEOs and site selectors everywhere: Louisiana is not just in the game, we are here to win,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois.
Copyright 2025 KNOE. All rights reserved.