Last Update: 10/27/2026 at 5:34 AM EST
Applied Digital’s AI Data Centers
Coverage from OPB, Gulf States Newsroom, and others

Applied Digital’s AI data-center expansion includes Delta Forge 1 near Boyce, Louisiana, and Delta Forge 2 in Brookwood, Alabama, also described as Project Highlands.
These large campuses involve local approvals and tax incentives, substantial construction and permanent-job projections, and major electricity and water considerations; closed-loop cooling is one proposed way to limit water use. Residents and local officials have also faced questions about environmental effects, community benefits, and access to project information, including the use of nondisclosure agreements during negotiations in Louisiana.
Looking Back
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All Articles6 articles
Interesting
Applied Digital began construction in 2025 on the Delta Forge 1 data-center campus in Boyce, Louisiana, while residents challenged confidential negotiations and project impacts.
8/27/2026 • Permitting & Regulation • General
Applied Digital began construction of the Delta Forge 1 data center campus in Boyce, Louisiana, after confidential negotiations prompted residents to challenge officials over power, water, environmental effects, and incentives.
8/27/2026 • Community & Local Opposition • General
On September 24, the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority approved a 20-year tax abatement for Applied Digital's Project Highlands AI data center in Brookwood, Alabama.
9/25/2026 • Project Finance & Incentives • General
Applied Digital is developing the $3.2865 billion Delta Forge 2 AI data center campus, with construction scheduled to start October 1, 2026, in Brookwood, Alabama.
9/24/2026 • Project Finance & Incentives • General
Governor Jeff Landry announced Delta Forge 1 groundbreaking at England Airpark in Boyce, Louisiana, for a two-building AI data center campus using Cleco power planning and closed-loop water cooling.
5/26/2026 • Infrastructure & Site Development • General
Additional
Applied Digital plans Delta Forge 1 near Boyce, Louisiana, targeting a summer 2027 opening with 300 MW initial IT load and closed-loop waterless cooling.
5/26/2026 • Market Demand & Investment • General
