Work is scheduled to begin August 3 to demolish the Frye Building in Natchez, clearing the way for parking to support the planned reopening of the Eola Hotel. The city has approved a $745,000 bid for the demolition, which includes asbestos remediation. The Eola has been closed since 2014, and plans have been underway for several years to refurbish the property and reopen it as a Marriott Flag hotel.
In Richland Parish, Louisiana, increased tax revenues generated by the Meta data center project are resulting in significant teacher bonuses. Before taxes, bonuses are reported at $50,000. Teachers have used the funds for purposes such as paying off vehicle loans and making down payments on homes. The bonuses are part of an overall investment in the region totaling more than $50 billion.
At the Mississippi State Capitol, data centers were the focus of discussion during a meeting of an AI task force. Elected officials, power companies, and public interest groups provided input on the growing role of data centers in the state. While some see benefits, others expressed concerns about their impact on local communities. Several mayors were among those addressing the task force.
Louisiana employment has reached an all-time high, with 2.01 million people working in non-farm jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the past year, the state has added 16,700 jobs, with more than half of those in the construction sector. Monroe, Lake Charles, and Baton Rouge are currently the fastest-growing metro areas for job growth, each supported by major construction projects.
The Mississippi River at Natchez–Vidalia is at 36.14 feet and falling.