PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Port Arthur wants to become the 'liquefied natural gas capital' of the world.
The Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce and dozens of other businesses celebrated a new partnership with Golden Pass LNG, Zachry, McDermott and Chiyoda groups.
"We've got Cheniere, we've got Golden Pass, we have Port Arthur LNG coming here, and it's going to be so significant," President and CEO of The Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce Pat Avery said.
The news was the talk of Tuesday's Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Avery says the project will bring growth.
In the beginning stages, thousands of jobs will be created, and once the plant is operational, there will be around 200 permanent jobs.
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"You're going to see that has a ripple effect in the community," said Avery. "For every job they create in our industry, the petrochemical industry. There are like seven or eight jobs created in other industries."
Port Arthur's Mayor-Elect, Thurman Bartie, wants to gain relationships with these companies.
He says it will help grow the workforce and benefit residents.
"If we are able to get that information, and actually pair citizens that have the skills that they need with the individuals that are in their HR departments who are doing the hiring, so that our citizens can be considered for it," Bartie said.
Avery says Port Arthur is moving in a new direction, and she thinks it will be beneficial to the growth of the city.
"With Golden Pass, with Motiva moving downtown, you're getting ready to see the renaissance of Port Arthur," Avery said.