The Southwest Louisiana Task Force for Growth and Opportunity, or GO Group, met today to discuss planning for the anticipated industrial projects in the region and the need for increased housing, public safety, transportation and workforce development.

The group formed after Sasol announced last year plans to spend up to $7 billion on a chemical plant and up to $14 billion on a gas-to-liquids plant at its Westlake facility.

The group includes 10 sub-committees that focus on issues like housing workers, providing adequate transportation and ensuring public safety.

Housing facility

Sammy Pate, project manager for Greenfield Logistical Solutions of Louisiana, LLC, spoke about plans to build a facility on Port of Lake Charles property that will house up to 4,000 construction workers. The estimated $70 million facility will be located on 200 acres off La. 397.

Pate said people will live there for up to three years and that the structures will have at least a 20-year life span. He said the facility will have a medical clinic, 24-hour security, cafeterias, on-site banking, laundry service, recreational facilities, parking and buses to transport workers to and from the site.

Pate said the site will be built in phases, based on demand. Those living at the site will be issued access cards to get in and out of the facility.

Luvertha August with the Lake Charles City Council said she has received calls from residents about making sure security and safety is a top priority.

Pate said that Greenfield officials have met with local law enforcement to make sure the community and surrounding neighborhoods are safe. He said police will have a full-scale map of the facility so they can easily navigate the area during emergencies.

Sasol update

Michael Hayes, public affairs manager at Sasol’s office of new business development, said the major work going on right now is putting a business team in place. He said Sasol is also moving forward on selecting technology suppliers for the chemical plant projects.

“We’re working through who can design these things for us,” he said. “We’re doing a bit of design work to figure out where the facilities sit exactly. But, to that end, we have some permit applications we’ve submitted.”

•••

For more on this and other breaking stories, check back at www.americanpress.com or pick up your copy of the print edition of the American Press.

(Special to the American Press)