Meta’s $2.7B hyperion data center sparks backlash in small Louisiana town

Holly Ridge, Louisiana—a town of about 2,000 residents—is grappling with major disruptions as construction ramps up on Meta’s $2.7 billion Hyperion data center, set to become the world’s largest computing facility by 2030 with a 5,000-megawatt capacity.

The project has triggered a surge in traffic chaos and safety concerns. According to the Louisiana Daily, thousands of heavy construction vehicles now rumble through town daily, causing a dramatic spike in accidents: 64 crashes were recorded between January and mid-September 2025—up from just 9 in all of 2024, a 600% increase.

At Holly Ridge Elementary School, the situation has forced drastic measures. The front playground was shut down after an 18-wheeler struck the school fence, narrowly missing student Penelope Hull and her grandmother. “There are too many vehicles—it’s too dangerous,” she said. Students are no longer allowed to play outside.

Safety issues extend beyond traffic. Local reports cite incidents involving unlicensed drivers operating Meta-contracted trucks, including one collision between an 18-wheeler and a dump truck. Residents also complain of “rusty red” tap water and frequent power outages linked to construction activity.

While Meta touts Hyperion as a landmark for AI infrastructure, many in Holly Ridge feel their quiet community is paying a steep price—with the project still years from completion.