By JIM BUTLER

The England Authority will discuss in executive session today economic development negotiations with what is labeled Project Lightning.

Sources independent of each other say “Lightning” is a digital infrastructure project proposed by Applied Digital of Dallas.

If located here the enterprise projects 1,500 construction-related jobs and 200 new employees in the first year of operation, averaging $65,000 annual wage. 

The Authority would create its Sub-District 4 to house the plant on about 672 acres near Boyce. 

Allied purchased the land in December. That sale was initially reported by Steven Maxwell’s Cenla Update. 

The tract description begins at LA 121 and the west side of I-49 and extends north and south from there. 

Legislation creating the Authority allows sub-district creation anywhere within the parish. 

Allied seeks a Cooperative Development Agreement to, among other things, provide Payment In Lieu Of Taxes. 

Such negotiations are privileged under Louisiana law. 

Allied provides digital infrastructure facilities to high-performance and Artificial Intelligence industries in North America. 

According to Secretary of State records, the firm’s APLD ALX-1 LLC was established on January 6. 

Industry publications indicate the Rapides site would be powered by natural gas-fueled steam turbines. 

Subsequent to the Lightning session, the Authority will hold its regular monthly meeting.