Construction at Boyce data center site along I-49

Construction is actively underway on a 672-acre site near Boyce, Louisiana, for what is known internally as Project Lightning, a high-performance computing and artificial intelligence facility developed by Applied Digital Corporation. The Dallas-based firm purchased the land in December 2025 for $26.9 million, and visible site work, including a large construction tent and graded earth, indicates active development for a project that could become one of the most significant economic developments in Rapides Parish history. In February, the England Authority, Rapides Parish's economic development district, approved the creation of England District Subdistrict No. 4, an overlay district for the property. Louisiana Central CEO Chris Masingill stated the project has the potential to surpass major industrial investments in terms of capital investment and job creation, projecting 1,500 construction jobs and 200 permanent positions. However, Masingill also clarified that the site remains an active prospect, not a confirmed project, with no formal agreement yet in place. Discussions are ongoing with utility provider Cleco regarding critical power arrangements, though it's unclear if new generation facilities will be needed. England Airpark Executive Director Ralph Hennessy noted that Applied Digital's data centers utilize a closed-loop cooling system to minimize water consumption, addressing water demand concerns. However, residents raised general concerns about utility costs and water usage at a February authority meeting. The site's reclassification to Industrial Vacant has led to an increase in estimated annual parish property taxes from approximately $3,900 to $300,000.