A 3,000-acre site on the West Bank of St. James Parish is currently being studied for potential development of a nearly $4 billion low-emission biofuel manufacturing facility. The facility is projected to produce an average of 120-135 million gallons of SAF annually, while also reducing pollutants in the air.
This project is anticipated to create 650 direct permanent jobs with a minimum salary of $48,000 plus benefits like health insurance and paid time off. Hiring preference will be given to St. James residents. Additionally, Louisiana Economic Development projects 5,231 indirect jobs will be added, bringing an estimated 5,881 new jobs to the region.
DG Fuels is investing in on-the-job training, including 50 paid internships, and hosting listening sessions with residents and local leaders to address needs at the complex and in the community. Protecting the environment and promoting economic prosperity is our shared goal with St. James residents, government, the community and school district. At every step in the process, we are meeting with local leaders to make sure these goals continue to align.
Our clean facility will have fewer air emissions than a standard U.S. hospital, will have no impact on the Mississippi River and will help to heal our planet. Our fuel made from sugar cane and plant waste is clean, sustainable and created with renewable energy.
DG Fuels expects a front-end engineering design (FEED) study on the project to be completed in late Summer 2024. A final investment decision is expected likely in 2025. Construction and commissioning of the facility would take approximately three to four years from that point with estimated completion in 2028.
Even before DG Fuels breaks ground, company leaders are engaging with community members and local government officials to draft a legally binding Community Benefits Agreement and explore ways we can maximize environmental and economic prosperity to St. James Parish.