June 28, 2018
News Examiner-Enterprise
Formosa plans to widen part of Hwy. 3127
By: Pam Folse
FG LA LLC last week unveiled plans to expand Hwy. 3127 to four lanes for the length of their Sunshine Project site in St. James along with two turning lanes into the facility. The announcement was made during an Open House held Thursday, June 21st, in Vacherie. FG is an affiliate of the Taiwanese-based Formosa Plastics Group founded in 1954, which recently announced plans to build a $9.4 billion ethylene complex on the west bank near the Sunshine Bridge. Company officials said this multi-million-dollar road project will enhance road infrastructure in the community and help minimize traffic impacts during construction and operations.
“We have met with residents in the parish who have expressed a need to widen Hwy. 3127 to alleviate traffic congestion,” said Janile Parks, Director of Community and Government Relations. “With this improvement project, FG is addressing those concerns early before we begin the construction phase,” she added.
During the open house, FG also introduced its “Think Local” policy, which plant officials say solidifies the company’s commitment to hire local residents and use local businesses as much as possible throughout the construction and operation phases.
Held at the West Bank Reception Hall, the open house was attended by more than 100 local residents, representatives of parish government, as well as small businesses. The project team was available to share project information and answer questions.
“We are committed to sharing information with the community as the project progresses and making sure they have opportunities to provide input,” Parks said. “FG is very pleased with the positive turnout at our open house and we enjoyed listening to and getting to know our neighbors.”
On hand to talk one-on-one with those in attendance were the project engineers, the environmental team, human resources representatives and FG staff. They openly discussed the aspects of the project including environment, safety, traffic, drainage, and the company’s commitment to use local businesses, vendors and workers as much as possible. FG officials said they are committed to listening to and addressing local concerns and developing programs that meet real community needs.
The Sunshine Project, slated to be built on farm land between Big Boy Street and Americas Styrenics in Welcome, will produce ethylene, propylene, ethylene glycol and associated polymers, which will be used to manufacture everyday items from food packaging to sports equipment, clothing, healthcare and technology products. According to a company press release, pending the completion and approval of permits for the site, FG could begin construction as soon as 2019 on what it projects to be a 10-year building and development process.
Information available at the meeting states that The Sunshine Project would create 1,200 new direct jobs with salaries averaging $84,500, plus benefits. Those who attended the open house were encouraged to submit their information to receive updates about project progress, including job opportunities. Those who wish to provide their information should complete the Contact Us form on the project website which is www.sunshineprojectla.com.
News Examiner-Enterprise correction to the above article
Formosa asked we clarify in more detail exactly where The Sunshine Project will be located.
The following was released to this newspaper:
Following its recent Open House held at the St. James Parish Reception Hall in Vacherie, FG LA LLC (FG) is continuing to meet with community members regarding project progress. FG plans to construct and operate The Sunshine Project, a proposed $9.4 billion ethylene complex that will be located on the West Bank in St. James Parish.
FG Director of Community and Government Relations Janile Parks said that following the recent Open House, community questions and concerns reflected some confusion about where the exact project footprint and property boundaries would be located. Some reports in the community indicated that the facility would be bordered by Big Boy Street. However, this is not the case.
The FG property is generally over one half-mile from Big Boy Street, which is not directly connected to the property. The Mosaic Fertilizer and Americas Styrenics facilities are located in close proximity to the property, with over one-third of a mile separating the FG property from the Americas Styrenics facility.
FG purchased property with approximately 0.5 miles of frontage on Highway 18 and approximately 1.7 miles of frontage on Highway 3127.The facility will be located in a conformity area designated for industrial use. The property has been in agricultural use for decades, mainly in sugar cane production.
As shown on the map, the site is relatively isolated. There are no residential subdivisions bordering the area. In fact, the closest residents on the west bank of the river are over a mile away. The FG property currently neighbors only agricultural land, undeveloped wetlands, and highway/rail rights of way. Based on the current plot plan, space around the perimeter of the facility is being preserved for drainage infrastructure and to serve as a buffer between the FG facility and neighboring properties. The site’s production units are planned to be located at least 300 feet from the property boundary.
“FG is committed to listening and addressing local concerns and developing programs that meet real community needs. We welcome questions regarding The Sunshine Project and encourage any interested residents to visit our website at SunshineProjectLA.com,” added Parks.