By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
The Bossier Parish Police Jury took a significant step forward during their regular scheduled meeting on Wednesday, March 18, approving plans tied to a large-scale data center development near Benton after a lengthy and closely watched public meeting.
The vote clears the way for development on more than 1,000 acres along Louisiana Highway 3, part of the proposed Highway 3 Technology Park, which is expected to support a future campus for Amazon Web Services.
The meeting, which included a public hearing on the project’s final property layout, lasted more than two hours and drew a large crowd of residents eager to learn more and voice their opinions.
Public response reflected a range of views. Some residents spoke in favor of the project, citing economic growth and job creation, while others raised concerns about transparency and the long-term impact on the surrounding area.
Questions centered on water usage, environmental effects, noise and infrastructure demands, as well as how information about the project had been shared in its early stages.
Representatives from STACK Infrastructure and project partners addressed those concerns during the meeting, providing detailed explanations and answering questions from both jurors and the public.
Developers confirmed the Benton site will include a 1.3 million-square-foot campus designed to support large-scale cloud computing operations. Plans also include supporting infrastructure such as substations, water systems and drainage features.
Water usage, one of the most frequently raised concerns, was addressed in detail. Project representatives said the facility is expected to use approximately 57 million gallons of water annually, a level they described as efficient for a data center of this size.
Under an agreement with the city, Bossier City will be able to supply up to 13.5 million gallons of water per day, though actual usage is projected to be significantly lower. Developers will fund the construction of pipelines needed to deliver water to the site.
Officials also explained that wastewater will be managed through multiple systems. Industrial water used in cooling processes will be treated on-site before being discharged in accordance with environmental regulations, while certain specialized cooling fluids will be removed periodically for off-site treatment. Domestic wastewater from facilities such as restrooms will be handled by the Town of Benton.
Energy demand was another key topic during the meeting. Representatives from Southwestern Electric Power Company said the data center will not lead to increased electricity rates for local customers.
“We are all committed to ensuring that our ratepayers do not feel the impacts from any development from the data centers,” said Amanda Nottingham, SWEPCO’s VP of external affairs.
Instead, the companies involved will cover the cost of any additional transmission lines, substations or other infrastructure required to support the facility. Officials noted that existing capacity planning and ongoing grid improvements have positioned the region to handle large-scale projects like this.
Developers estimate the project will bring approximately 500 construction jobs during peak building phases, along with around 270 permanent positions once the facility is operational. Those permanent roles are expected to offer wages significantly above the state average.
The Benton site is part of a broader multi-billion-dollar regional investment, widely described by local leaders as a transformative opportunity for Northwest Louisiana’s economy.
Some residents said they felt more informed after hearing detailed explanations but emphasized the need for continued transparency as the project moves forward.
Police jurors acknowledged the concerns raised during the hearing but expressed confidence in the development and its long-term benefits. Members encouraged residents to stay engaged as additional details are finalized.
With approval of the final plat, the project moves closer to construction, which could begin in the coming weeks.
As development progresses, parish leaders say public input will remain a key part of the process, as Bossier Parish navigates the balance between economic growth and community impact in one of the largest projects in its history.