There was a major economic announcement out of St. Landry Parish.

There will be over 200 permanent jobs on the way now that a $400 million crude oil storage and blending complex is in development.

Parish President, Bill Fontenot, says this has been three years in the making. “It is a very large economic boost to the region. It is probably one of the greatest business ventures, largest business ventures in St. Landry Parish since farming.”

The Hazlewood Energy Hub will be located right between Port Barre and Krotz Springs. It will be adjacent to the Bobcat gas storage complex.

Fontenot says permanent workers can expect an average annual salary of $65,000.One resident, Evelyn Sam, agreed this will be a big boost for the parish. “I find it’s a blessing because it’s more to help the kids to get off the streets and go to work. The ones they have, you know everyone is fighting for them and there’s not enough opportunities to work.”

Hazlewood Energy Hub President, Bob Edmunson, says they will construct six above-ground crude oil storage tanks. Four salt dome caverns will also be used for additional storage.

Fontenot says the goal is to blend and ship crude oil all over the world. In turn, he feels this will help a struggling oil and gas industry. “There’s a lot of value in storing oil for later sales. This will allow oil to be stored and thousands, millions of barrels to be stored and provided on an as needed basis.”

Construction is set to begin as early as next year.

Fontenot says the hub is expected to be up and running by the year 2018. This new development will also create 200 temporary construction jobs.

For those interested, Fontenot says a number of job fairs will be held in the near future.