Livingston Parish President says data center is coming eventually
Livingston Parish officials say a data center could be developed in the parish within the next five to 10 years, but no project has been finalized. Residents are concerned about water use, pollution, property values and neighborhood impacts, while a 500-megawatt battery storage facility and a prior industrial rezoning have fueled speculation.
Livingston Parish President Randy Delatte said the parish is working to attract an eventual data center project, although he has not signed a nondisclosure agreement with Louisiana Economic Development and has limited information about potential companies. He estimated that a data center could arrive within five to 10 years and said he would announce a project once plans become concrete.
Residents near 690 acres off Buddy Ellis Road expressed concern that a data center could consume water, create pollution, lower property values and encroach on residential areas. The site was rezoned from residential to major industrial use after plans for roughly 1,700 homes raised traffic concerns. A 500-megawatt battery storage facility moving through permitting, intended to power an unnamed commercial development, has intensified speculation that a data center may be planned. Delatte said five to seven companies are reportedly in discussions, while some parish and state officials are bound by confidentiality agreements.