The state Board of Commerce and Industry agrees to give a developer planning to build a massive liquefied natural gas export facility in Calcasieu Parish a tax break that could eventually reach two-billion dollars. The advocacy group, Together Louisiana, objected. Broderick Bagert says local government taxing bodies did not give residents enough information about their pending votes.
“If there’s no way that people can know something is happening, then ought to be given the opportunity to have a hearing and that’s what they are asking for,” said Bagert.
Houma Senator Norby Chabert, sits on the Board, and calls the project a heck of a deal and something taxpayers in Calcasieu Parish know about.
“The Tellurian have been advancing this project for literally years, there has been so much community outreach about this project,” said Bagert.
Natural gas company Tellurian is the developer of the LNG export facility, which is expected to create 300 permanent jobs and 64-hundred construction jobs. A final investment decision is expected during the first six months of next year. Tellurian’s Jason French told the board it would not be a good idea to postpone a vote on the tax break.
“Would send a message of uncertainty to us as a company, to the industry, to our customers and partners who are looking as we near final investment decision, as we make a final decision to actually locate this project in Louisiana,” said Bagert.
The board agreed and voted 17-2 in favor of the tax break. Governor John Bel Edwards must give final approval.
