FG staff discusses the proposed project with local residents at the community open house
June 22, 2018
FG LA LLC Hosts Community Open House
Announces improvement project for Highway 3127 and "Think Local" policy
ST. JAMES PARISH, La. — Yesterday, more than 100 local residents attended a community open house in Vacherie to learn more about The Sunshine Project, a proposed $9.4 billion ethylene complex to be located on the West Bank in St. James Parish. The open house, hosted by FG LA LLC at the St. James Parish Reception Hall, introduced the project team, shared project information and answered questions from local residents.
“We are committed to sharing information with the community as the project progresses and making sure they have opportunities to provide input,” Janile Parks, FG LA LLC Director of Community and Government Relations said. “FG is very pleased with the positive turnout at our open house and we enjoyed listening to and getting to know our neighbors.”
Project engineers, the environmental team, human resources representatives and FG staff were on hand to talk one-on-one with local residents about all aspects of the project including environment, safety, traffic, drainage, and the company’s commitment to using local businesses, vendors and workers as much as possible. FG is committed to listening to and addressing local concerns and developing programs that meet real community needs as it works to bring The Sunshine Project to fruition.
The Sunshine Project 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. 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.
At the open house, improvements to the Highway 3127 were unveiled. FG shared plans to expand Highway 3127 to four lanes for the length of the project site and add two turning lanes into the facility. This multi million-dollar 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 Highway 3127 to alleviate traffic congestion. With this improvement project, FG is addressing those concerns early before we begin the construction phase,” Parks said.
FG also introduced its “Think Local” policy at the open house, which solidifies the company’s commitment to hire local residents and use local businesses as much as possible throughout the construction and operations phases.
The Sunshine Project would create 1,200 new direct jobs with salaries averaging $84,500, plus benefits. Project representatives encouraged open house attendees to submit their information through the Contact Us form on the project website. As updates become available about project progress, including job opportunities, FG will share that on the website and via email to those who have submitted their contact information.
About Formosa and FG
FG is an affiliate of Formosa Plastics Group, which is a Taiwanese-based company founded in 1954. Formosa has over 100,000 employees worldwide, with locations in the U.S., Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia. Formosa’s major businesses are oil refining, petrochemicals, plastics, fibers, textiles, electronics, energy, steel, transportation, machinery, healthcare and biotech. Like Formosa, FG has a deep commitment to social, environmental and safety performance, and will keep the community updated and informed as The Sunshine Project moves forward.