BOYCE, La. (6/5/2026) — Louisiana Central has launched a new public resource website as questions continue to grow around the Applied Digital data center project in Rapides Parish.
The website, RapidesDataCenter.com, is designed to answer many of the concerns residents have raised since the project was announced.
Those concerns include water use, electricity demand, utility rates, environmental impacts, tax revenue, local hiring, traffic, and noise.
Thousands of comments have appeared across social media platforms in recent weeks. While some residents welcome the investment, others continue to question its long-term impact on Central Louisiana.
Louisiana Central said it partnered with Applied Digital, Cleco, and regional stakeholders to create the website. The organization said its goal is to provide facts, explain the technology, and support informed public discussion.
One of the most common questions involves water consumption.
Closed-loop Cooling System
According to information on the website, Applied Digital plans to use a closed-loop cooling system. The system recirculates a water-glycol mixture rather than regularly consuming water for cooling.
Project materials state routine water use would primarily support bathrooms, kitchens, cleaning, and landscaping.
Electricity demand has also become a major topic of discussion.
The website states the data center will pay the full cost of the power infrastructure needed to serve the facility. Project materials further state those costs will not be shifted to existing customers.
Cleco, which will provide power to the campus, describes the project as the largest economic development opportunity in the company’s history.
The resource hub also addresses concerns about power reliability. According to project information, Cleco’s system maintains reliability above 99.9 percent.
Environmental Impact
Environmental impacts remain another major focus for residents.
The website states data centers must comply with environmental regulations governing emissions, water, wastewater, and other operational requirements. It also notes that modern facilities are designed to operate with lower water consumption and improved efficiency.
Questions about jobs continue to generate debate as well.
Project materials estimate the development will create more than 1,000 construction jobs during peak construction, along with 200 direct permanent jobs and 218 indirect jobs.
However, many residents continue asking how many of those positions will ultimately be filled by local workers.
Tax revenue is another issue addressed by the website.
According to project estimates, the development could generate approximately $575.5 million for local taxing bodies over a 27-year period. Those funds could support schools, law enforcement, infrastructure, and other public services throughout Rapides Parish.
Resource Hub Also Include Information About…
The resource hub also includes information about traffic, road improvements, backup generators, noise levels, future expansion, and community engagement opportunities.
Louisiana Central said the website will continue to provide updates as the project moves forward.
For many residents, the conversation extends beyond economic development. Questions about transparency, quality of life, environmental stewardship, and long-term community benefits remain at the center of the discussion.
Residents can review project information and frequently asked questions by visiting RapidesDataCenter.com.
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