June 24, 2020
FG Begins Highway 3127 Improvements on St. James Parish's West Bank
Company follows through on committment to voluntarily widen and improve highway
Vacherie, La. --- FG plans to begin construction later this month to widen and improve 2.5 miles of Highway 3127 and add two new travel lanes in an effort to enhance road infrastructure. These improvements will help minimize traffic impacts during the construction and operation phases of The Sunshine Project.
“I have long maintained that investing in infrastructure is economic development, be it public or private,” said Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson, Ph.D. “The investment FG is making on behalf of the public sets an example of the type partnership we seek to replicate across Louisiana. As our transportation needs far outweigh our outdated gas tax, one way our state can remain competitive and attract similar investments is by working together with businesses to pave and widen the way to prosperity.”
Prior to permit approvals, FG began working with local and state officials to implement traffic improvement solutions for Highway 3127. FG commissioned a traffic study in 2017, reported study results to the Louisiana DOTD in 2018 and is set to begin 
construction on the highway in the coming days. FG is voluntarily undertaking the highway construction project and local contractors and businesses have been hired to perform the work.
“In March, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our workforce and across our community and in light of safety issues associated with fluctuating Mississippi River stages, FG temporarily paused activities on The Sunshine Project property. Now that Louisiana is taking steps to return to work, FG will begin the Highway 3127 improvements and provide St. James Parish with long-needed infrastructure enhancements. This highway project will proceed with work practices tailored for COVID-19 safety,” said Janile Parks, Director of Community and Government Relations, FG LA LLC.
The Sunshine Project is FG LA LLC’s $9.4 billion industrial complex planned for St. James Parish. The project is expected to create thousands of construction and permanent jobs over the next eight years.
Once constructed, The Sunshine Project will be one of the most innovative, single-site ethylene production complexes in the world and will make the plastic building blocks found in everyday products that help make our lives safer, healthier, cleaner and more efficient.
“FG listened to the community’s concerns and we are following through on our commitment to meet local traffic needs now,” said Parks. “We will continue to collaborate with the community and embrace the spirit of cooperation as we work together to build a brighter, stronger future. We plan to complete the highway improvements in coming months. Please pardon the progress as we work to complete this important traffic project for St. James Parish.”
For construction and traffic updates, follow St. James Parish and the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office on Facebook and stay tuned to St. James Parish community alert systems for the latest information.
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About FG LA LLC:
FG is a member of Formosa Plastics Group (Formosa), a Taiwanese-based conglomerate founded in 1954. Formosa has over 100,000 employees worldwide with locations in the USA, 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. FG is listening to local concerns and developing programs that meet real community needs. FG’s outreach focuses on four key pillars of need expressed by the community: environment, safety, health and education.
FG will produce the plastic building blocks used to make everyday products including car casings, drainage pipes, artificial turf, polyester clothing, antifreeze and playground equipment. FG’s products also help make life-saving PPE (personal protective equipment) including N95 and surgical masks needed in the fight against COVID-19. Demand for these products is expected to increase over time, and The Sunshine Project will continue to help meet that demand.