(The Center Square) − Louisiana Economic Development confirmed that Hyundai’s steel mill in Ascension parish remains on track, saying that concerns raised by Hyundai over road infrastructure and emergency preparedness were “promptly addressed” and that the project has continued without delay.
The Center Square recently reported that Hyundai executives raised safety and infrastructure concerns tied to their planned steel mill in Ascension Parish, citing the nearby CF Industries ammonia plant, which had an accident in 2022 that prompted evacuations.
The company asked the state to develop a coordinated emergency response plan and speed up major roadwork to accommodate overlapping construction timelines at the RiverPlex Megapark.
Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois responded that existing emergency systems already cover the area through state and parish agencies, which oversee more than 20 chemical sites along the Mississippi River.
Bourgeois said LED is coordinating with transportation officials and local leaders to update traffic studies and explore funding options for faster road improvements, including eventual four-lane expansion.
According to LED, Louisiana’s planned $5.2 billion steel mill in Ascension Parish remains “active and progressing on the timeline” outlined in its agreement with the state.
“There have been several local reports about the status of Hyundai Steel Company’s new facility in Donaldsonville,” Bourgeois said. “To be clear, the project remains active and is progressing on the timeline outlined in the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the State of Louisiana and the company. The groundbreaking for phase two of the road work is scheduled for this Thursday.”
Hyundai executives had previously flagged industrial safety issues near CF Industries’ ammonia plant and called for expanded road infrastructure and emergency response coordination. Bourgeois said those matters were addressed “in collaboration with our state and local partners.”
“Under Governor Jeff Landry’s leadership, Louisiana is committed to making our state the best and easiest place to do business,” Bourgeois added. “The continued progress of this transformational project reflects the strong partnership among state, local and industry leaders working together to deliver results for Louisianans.”
The letter obtained by The Center Square also detailed concerns raised by Hyundai over the current tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Hyundai told The Center Square that “though tariffs are something we are monitoring, nothing has changed regarding Hyundai’s commitment to the Louisiana Steel Mill project.”
