META RICHLAND PARISH AI DATA CENTER
Quick Data & Metrics
Key Project Timeline
Meta Private Capital
The Meta Richland Parish campus represents one of Louisiana's largest private investments,
featuring a 4 million square foot, AI-optimized data center being constructed on the 2,250-acre
Franklin Farm Megasite. The facility is purpose-built to accelerate Meta's AI progress,
delivering over 2 GW of compute capacity to train future open-source large language models.
The project drives massive short-term economic activity (5,000+ peak construction jobs) and
secures long-term power and infrastructure reliability in partnership with Entergy Louisiana.
The project benefits from significant state tax exemptions (Act 730), underlining Louisiana's
commitment to large-scale AI infrastructure.
Meta and Governor Jeff Landry announce the $10B AI data center.
Site work, grading, and infrastructure planning begins (GC: DPR, Turner, Mortenson).
Entergy Louisiana breaks ground on the Meta-funded Smalling Substation.
Louisiana Public Service Commission approves Entergy's plan for three new gas plants to ensure power reliability.
Focus shifts to hiring for the permanent, highly skilled operational roles.
The entire campus is expected to be fully built-out and operational.
Meta is investing over $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, specifically for roads and water systems in Richland Parish.
The data center utilizes a closed-loop water system for cooling and incorporates water-saving fixtures. Meta has a global goal to be water positive by 2030 (restoring more water than consumed).
Meta has committed to contributing $1 million annually to Entergy's "The Power to Care" program for low-income bill assistance.
The partnership with Entergy and the LPSC approval for new generation units guarantee the 2.3 GW capacity needed for hyperscale AI operations.