It’s been exactly one year since Meta broke ground on its huge Richland Parish Data Center in Northeast Louisiana – home to the future Hyperion, the company’s largest multi-gigawatt AI training cluster powering the push toward advanced superintelligence.
In that time, Meta has pumped serious money into the local economy: over $875 million contracted with Louisiana businesses (mostly local), supporting thousands of jobs.
The project has already backed 3,700 construction workers, with peaks expected to hit 5,000 by mid-2026. Once running, it’ll create 500+ permanent jobs in tech, engineering, and maintenance.
Beyond jobs, Meta’s investing $300 million+ in local infrastructure like roads and water systems, plus $300,000 for park upgrades and landmark restorations in Rayville, Delhi, and Mangham. They’re also backing schools, veterans’ facilities, and senior services.
On sustainability: Working with Entergy to add clean energy projects, cover costs without hiking local bills (actually saving customers ~$650M over 15 years), and funding low-income assistance.
For water, they’re restoring wetlands to offset 100% usage through partnerships.
This isn’t just a data center – it’s a big bet on boosting a rural community while building next-gen AI.
Key Takeaways:
- Explore job opportunities: Local workers interested in construction or skilled trades should visit RichlandParishDataCenter.com for openings and updates.
- Apply for community grants: Nonprofits and groups in Richland Parish can prepare for Meta’s Data Center Community Action Grants – recipients announced spring 2026.
- Follow project progress: Stay informed on investments and milestones via Meta’s Richland Parish Data Center Facebook page.
You may also want to check out some of our other recent updates.
Wanna know what’s trending online every day? Subscribe to Vavoza Insider to access the latest business and marketing insights, news, and trends daily with unmatched speed and conciseness! 🗞️
