RAYVILLE, La. (KNOE) – Meta has become the largest business partner in Northeast Louisiana.
The company’s AI-enhanced data center is expected to support more than 6,500 jobs in Richland Parish.
Richland Parish Schools Superintendent Sheldon Jones is preparing his students for the careers the AI-optimized data center will offer when it is completed in 2030.
“I, along with the staff of central office supervisors and high school principals, have partnered with the 83 Workforce Development Council and a series of roundtables targeting support for internships and apprenticeships in local businesses, curriculum development and career fairs,” Jones said.
The data center will create more than 500 new direct jobs. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates the project will create more than 1,000 indirect jobs in the region.
“Louisiana and Richland Parish are the ideal home for Meta – for a variety of reasons: excellent access to infrastructure, a reliable network, a friendly business climate, but most importantly, a large number of community partners who have really helped make move forward with this project. moving forward,” said Meta’s Kevin Janda, who handles data center infrastructure strategy.
About 5,000 construction workers will be employed at the peak of construction on the 2,250-acre site.
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Meta is investing $200 million to improve local infrastructure, including roads and water systems throughout the region.
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