The petrochemical industry appears to be showing some signs of life around Jefferson County if upcoming projects are any indication.

“Economic development progresses with the Nederland Economic Development Corporation moving forward to commercially develop the land in front of the Jack Brooks Regional Airport, along the frontage to Highway 69, with a developer that has plans that will provide a wide variety of opportunities,” according to Fred Jackson, assistant to County Judge Jeff Branick.

The ExxonMobil Corporation is moving forward again to expand the refinery with a $1.5 billion investment that will create 1,850 construction jobs and 50 new fulltime employees, he said.

Phillips will expand with their Crude II expansion with a $50 million investment that will create hundreds of construction jobs and 10 new fulltime employees.

ZeoGas is finalizing plans to begin construction with an investment of $1.3 billion that will also create hundreds of construction and add 65 fulltime employees for many years.

Natgasoline, previously OCI, continues to complete their construction on their $1 billion facility that will bring 170 new fulltime employees. There is ongoing construction of several oil storage facilities and pipelines.

Seahawk Landing, the $2.25 million new dormitory at Lamar State College-Port Arthur, has been completed to enable many students to enjoy on-campus living.

There are several LNG facilities that are in the permitting process and the county anticipates billions of dollars of capital investments and thousands of new constructions jobs and hundreds of permanent jobs will be created as a result of the eventual approval of these permit applications.

“Texas and Jefferson County should continue to play a major role in providing for the nation and many foreign countries energy needs,” he wrote. “The county commissioners court has continued to hold the line on the budget by again making difficult cuts despite a reduction in property tax receipts and has not sought to increase property tax rates.”

“Of course there will be many changes in elected officials and we welcome a new sheriff, two new district court judges, a new county court-at-law judge and two new constables.

The commissioners court and our elected officials will continue to endeavor to provide access to the public and to provide leadership our citizens deserve.”

David Ball: 409-721-2427