As 2025 gets underway, Louisiana is buzzing with economic development projects, many of which are multi-million-dollar and even billion-dollar ventures. Here’s an overview of some of the largest and most exciting construction projects happening across the state and within the Greater New Orleans area.

Meta’s $10 Billion AI Data Center in Northeast Louisiana

In December 2024, Meta revealed plans to build a massive $10 billion AI Data Center in Richland Parish, located in Northeast Louisiana. Situated on the 2,250-acre former Franklin Farm site between Rayville and Delhi, about 30 miles east of Monroe, the data center will generate 1,500 potential jobs and employ around 5,000 construction workers at peak. Site work began in December 2024, with construction expected to continue until 2030.

$3.2 Billion Lake Charles Methanol Manufacturing Plant

In February 2024, Lake Charles Methanol II, LLC announced plans to invest $3.24 billion in a methanol and chemical manufacturing facility at the Port of Lake Charles. The facility’s construction and commissioning are expected to take four years, with operations potentially starting in late 2027. The project is anticipated to create 728 new jobs, including 123 direct jobs, with an average salary of $135,955.

Woodland Biofuels’ $1.35 Billion Investment in Reserve

Woodland Biofuels, Inc. is investing $1.35 billion to build a production facility at the Port of South Louisiana in Reserve. The plant will use waste biomass to produce sustainable biofuels for transportation and electricity. Construction is expected to start in 2025, with the final investment decision due in 2026. The project is expected to create 500 construction jobs and 110 direct jobs.

Bunge’s $1 Billion Expansion in Jefferson Parish

In August 2024, Bunge announced it would invest $1 billion to expand its Avondale facility in Jefferson Parish. The expansion will create additional vegetable oil processing capacity and lead to a 10% increase in local employment. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.

UBE Corporation’s $500 Million Investment in Jefferson Parish

Japanese chemical company UBE Corporation has pledged to invest $500 million to build a U.S. manufacturing facility at Cornerstone Energy Park in Jefferson Parish. This facility will produce key ingredients for electric vehicle (EV) lithium-ion batteries. Construction is set to be completed by mid-2026, with operations starting in late 2026.

Heirloom Carbon Technologies’ $475 Million Decarbonization Project in Shreveport

Heirloom Carbon Technologies plans to invest $475 million in two direct air capture (DAC) facilities at the Port of Caddo-Bossier, aiming to remove 17,000 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere annually. Construction for the first DAC facility will begin by the end of 2025.

$200 Million New Orleans City Park Master Plan Relaunch

The City Park Conservancy’s 20-year Master Plan for New Orleans’ 1,300-acre City Park has been relaunched with a projected cost of $200 million. Community input is being sought in 2025, with the final plan to be published in summer 2025.

Procter & Gamble’s $96 Million Expansion in Central Louisiana

Procter & Gamble has announced a $96.7 million investment to expand its fabric care product manufacturing facility in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. The expansion will increase production capacity and create 50 new jobs over two years.

$75 Million Oakdale Wood Products Facility Expansion

Boise Cascade Wood Products has pledged $75 million to expand its Oakdale facility, increasing veneer production by 30%. The expansion is expected to generate 238 construction jobs and 30 direct jobs once complete in mid-2025.

Plaza Tower Demolition Approved for $28 Million

The demolition of Plaza Tower, a vacant 45-story building on Loyola Ave. in New Orleans, has been approved at an estimated cost of $28 million. The demolition is set to begin after a ruling on January 16, 2025, clears the way for further safety assessments and abatement work.

Southland Steel Expands with $25 Million Investment

Southland Steel Fabricators Inc. will invest $25 million to expand its production space and acquire advanced welding technology. The project, expected to add 80 direct jobs, aims to meet the growing demand for fabricated steel in Louisiana’s industrial sector.

BENTELER Expands in Shreveport with $21 Million Investment

BENTELER Steel/Tube Manufacturing Corp. has announced a $21 million expansion at its Shreveport facility. The first phase of the expansion includes the installation of a threading line for hot rolled seamless steel tubes, creating 49 new direct jobs by the end of 2026.

Southland Industrial Coatings Invests $13.1 Million in St. Landry

Southland Industrial Coatings will invest $13.1 million in a new fireproofing facility in St. Landry Parish, expected to be completed by spring 2025. The project will create 120 new jobs and support the utility and renewable energy industries.

Premier Concrete Products to Add $10 Million Unit in Livingston Parish

Premier Concrete Products will invest $10 million to add a precast concrete pipe production unit in Livingston Parish, enhancing their manufacturing capacity. The facility will be operational by the end of 2025 and create 33 new jobs.

Covington Marine Engine Expands with $5.85 Million Investment

Laborde Products will invest $5.85 million to expand its Covington operations center and warehouse. The expansion, which will focus on research and development, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Lincoln Beach Redevelopment Receives Federal Funding

The Lincoln Beach redevelopment project in New Orleans East has secured $4.1 million in federal funding. The $24.6 million project will gradually restore this historic site into a public park, with plans for a waterfront restaurant, skate park, and more.

Originally reported by City Business Staff Reports.