BENTON — The Bossier Parish Police Jury has unanimously approved plans for a new Amazon data center to be built north of Benton, moving forward with a project that supporters say will bring significant economic development to the parish — but not without hearing sharp objections from residents who packed a public meeting Wednesday to voice their concerns.

The project is being developed in partnership with STACK Infrastructure, a data center development and operations company. The facility would be built in a largely rural area north of the Bossier Parish seat, a location that has drawn scrutiny from nearby property owners and community members.

During Wednesday’s meeting, residents directed pointed criticism at both Police Jury members and STACK Infrastructure officials, raising concerns about the project’s potential impact on the surrounding area. The specific objections raised by residents were not detailed in early reports, but opposition at public meetings of this nature typically centers on issues such as traffic, infrastructure demands, noise, water usage, and the character of the surrounding community.

The Police Jury’s unanimous vote signals strong institutional support for the project, which aligns with a broader regional push to establish Northwest Louisiana as a hub for the data center industry. Caddo and Bossier parishes currently have three data center projects in various stages of development, with local leaders eyeing the sector as a driver of long-term tax revenue and economic growth.

Amazon data centers are significant economic investments, typically generating substantial property tax revenue and utility consumption, though they employ relatively small permanent workforces compared to traditional manufacturing or industrial projects.

The project is expected to move forward despite the community opposition expressed Wednesday. Additional details on the timeline, site specifics, and infrastructure requirements are expected as the approval process continues.