Applied Digital’s Potential ‘Transformational’ Data Center Project in Rapides Parish Advances
RAPIDES PARISH, La. – A potential large-scale industrial project spearheaded by Applied Digital is gaining momentum in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. On February 26, the England Authority approved the creation of England District Subdistrict No. 4, a 672-acre area purchased by Applied Digital in December 2025 for $26.9 million, potentially paving the way for a “transformational” development.
Applied Digital and the Proposed Project
Applied Digital, a data processing and hosting company specializing in digital infrastructure, cloud services, and artificial intelligence, acquired the land along I-49 near Boyce, Louisiana. The company designs, develops, and operates data centers to support high-performance computing operations.
While details remain limited due to non-disclosure agreements, Louisiana Central CEO Chris Masingill described the potential project as one that could surpass previous industrial investments in the parish, bringing significant capital investment and job creation opportunities. He emphasized, however, that “we don’t have a deal. We don’t have a project,” characterizing it as an “active prospect.” Masingill referenced a ‘potential hyperscaler’ as a possible tenant, defining these as data centers used to deliver and manage large-scale applications, according to IBM. IBM
Economic Impact and Incentives
The project is anticipated to generate approximately 1,500 construction-related jobs and 200 new permanent positions in the first year of operation, with an average annual wage of $65,000. Rapides Parish Journal
Discussions are underway with taxing authorities to create special incentives to attract tenants to the property. Prior to 2026, the land was classified as Agricultural Vacant, with an assessed value of $257,350 and annual parish taxes of approximately $3,900. Following reclassification as Industrial Vacant in 2026, the assessed value increased to $25,287,000, with estimated annual parish property taxes rising to around $300,000. KALB
Addressing Community Concerns
Concerns regarding the project’s potential impact on utility costs and water usage have been raised by residents. Masingill stated that the Louisiana Public Service Commission will retain regulatory authority over any electricity generation required for the project. Alexandria Mayor Jacques highlighted the region’s abundant water supply from the Kisatchie well-field, suggesting it is well-positioned to accommodate increased demand. KALB
The England Authority has committed to providing opportunities for public input and addressing community concerns as the project progresses. KALB
Other Agenda Items
In addition to the data center project, the England Authority likewise addressed matters related to immigration enforcement. Agreements were discussed with Homeland Security, ICE, and LaSalle Corrections Transport regarding the employ of buildings and land as a staging center for immigration-related operations. Rapides Parish Journal
The England Authority’s unanimous approval of the subdistrict creation signals continued progress toward potentially bringing a significant economic development project to Rapides Parish. Further discussions and negotiations are expected in the coming months.