We’re building the bigger picture.
When we welcome development in one area of our region, we welcome growth in others — opening the door to new opportunities for Central Louisiana and creating a future that we can all be proud of.
Can you picture it? We can.
Growth on the horizon.
The potential development of new healthcare facilities, data centers, manufacturing plants and more will give our communities access to the opportunities and amenities that matter in the lives of future generations.
Job opportunities
Economic development brings in construction and trade jobs during the build phase and long-term jobs upon completion.
Energy grid upgrades
Projects that invest in new infrastructure, will strengthen grid resiliency and boost power reliability for all residents of Central Louisiana.
New community partners
Welcoming new businesses invites new partners who will help support community initiatives and contribute to Central Louisiana’s growth.
Stronger industry
Potential developments will help us gain an advantage in industries like manufacturing, logistics and distribution, aerospace, precision agriculture and more.
A transformative project for Rapides Parish.
A new data center project in Boyce, Louisiana is officially underway, marking it as one of the largest economic development investments in the history of Rapides Parish.
This project will generate new tax revenue for the region, support funding for public services, local schools, and infrastructure improvements.
Here's what you need to know:
- The data center will be developed by Applied Digital and powered by Cleco.
- Costs for new infrastructure and power generation will be paid by the data center.
- The new infrastructure will lead to stronger resiliency and reliability for all customers.
- There will be 418 total new local jobs with a 150% higher wage than average.
Learn More
"I've been selling real estate in Central Louisiana for over 25 years. Projects like this change the trajectory of a community. I've seen what stagnation looks like, and I've seen what investment looks like. This is investment."
Matt Ritchie, CCIM
President/Broker, Ritchie Real Estate
"Every generation has faced new technologies. Our responsibility is not to fear them, but to shape how they create opportunities, serve our community, and reflect our values. Our call is to be good stewards of the economic opportunities that are placed before our community. These jobs and tax revenues allow us to better serve our neighbors in need. Data centers bring living-wage jobs that can lift families out of poverty, and that is a moral good."
Rev. Larry Turner
Pastor, Christian Love Baptist Church
"For years, we've been asking what the next chapter of Central Louisiana's economy looks like. This is it. Data centers are where the modern economy lives, and having global companies choose our community means we're not watching that economy from the sidelines, we're a part of it. The Chamber is proud to stand behind economic development in our region."
Deborah Randolph
President, Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce
"This new project is exactly the kind of investment our business community has been working to attract. Data centers bring high-paying jobs, significant tax revenue, and infrastructure that makes our region more competitive for years to come. The Chamber stands firmly in support of this project and the economic future it represents for Rapides Parish and the entire Central Louisiana region."
Scott Laliberte
Chair, Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce President & COO, Jenkins Companies
