Hyundai Steel Mill in Ascension Parish: Economic Opportunity or Environmental Threat?
In late March 2025, the White House, accompanied by President Donald Trump and Louisiana's Governor Jeff Landry, announced a transformative deal for Ascension Parish: a multibillion-dollar Hyundai steel mill set to be built at the RiverPlex MegaPark along the west bank of the Mississippi River. The new plant promises over 1,300 direct jobs and around 4,100 indirect jobs, enhancing the area’s infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities.
The plant's construction was hailed by local officials as a major step forward for the parish and the state’s manufacturing sector, promising a boost to the local economy and the U.S. steel industry’s global competitiveness. However, not all residents of Ascension Parish are excited by the prospect of the new development.
Local Opposition: Concerns Over Safety and Health Risks
Some residents, particularly from the nearby Modeste community, have voiced strong opposition to the project, raising concerns about the environmental and health impacts of having a steel mill so close to their homes. Ashley Gaignard, the founder of Rural Roots Louisiana, is one of the vocal critics of the project. Gaignard is particularly worried about the cumulative risks posed by not only the steel plant but also other industrial developments planned for the area, such as ammonia plants.
There are already carcinogenic chemicals that we deal with now. Adding a steel plant, which will contribute metal pollutants, will only make things worse, she remarked. Gaignard fears that the introduction of these industries could lead to a decline in the local population, as residents may choose to move away due to the health and safety risks.
Economic Benefits vs. Environmental Risks
While U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, a representative for the area, has emphasized the economic advantages of the steel mill, calling it a major milestone fortifying America's manufacturing future, residents of Modeste feel their voices are being ignored. The community, which has a significant population of elderly and disabled residents, remains concerned about the lack of local input into the decision-making process.
We were never asked, said one Modeste resident. Did the people of Modeste give their consent to this plant? The politicians are breaking their commitment to the community by saying ‘yes’ without consulting us first.
Job Creation: A Double-Edged Sword?
State officials and corporate backers argue that the Hyundai steel mill will provide a significant boost to the local economy, creating well over 1,300 direct jobs and an additional 4,100 indirect jobs. The new plant is expected to stimulate economic growth and infrastructure improvements for Ascension Parish, attracting both skilled workers and businesses.
However, for some residents, these promises of job creation don’t outweigh their fears of deteriorating air quality, water contamination, and long-term health issues. The possibility of industrial accidents and the impact of toxic pollutants from steel production on vulnerable communities are major concerns.
Community Voices: Mobilizing for Change
In response to the lack of consultation, Gaignard and other residents are organizing to amplify their opposition. They argue that they’ve been redlined for industrial developments, meaning their community is disproportionately targeted for high-risk factories and chemical plants. We are not being treated as equal stakeholders in this decision, Gaignard added.
The Modeste community has already begun organizing protests and campaigns, aiming to pressure local officials to reconsider the placement of the steel mill. By coming together, they hope to reclaim their voice in the process and ensure that the local population’s health and safety come first.
Key Takeaways:
• Hyundai's steel mill will bring 1,300 direct jobs and 4,100 indirect jobs to Ascension Parish.
• Modeste community residents are opposed to the plant, citing concerns over health risks from carcinogenic chemicals and metal pollutants.
• Ashley Gaignard from Rural Roots Louisiana fears that the new plant will lead to a population decline due to health hazards.
• U.S. Rep. Troy Carter and local officials emphasize the economic benefits of the steel mill but face resistance from nearby residents.
• Environmental risks posed by the plant include air and water contamination, as well as concerns about accidents at nearby industrial sites.
• Local opposition is growing, with residents organizing protests and advocating for more community input into the decision-making process.
• Modeste community members feel they’ve been excluded from consultations about the new plant and are calling for more transparency and safety measures.
The debate surrounding the Hyundai steel mill in Ascension Parish continues to divide the community, with a focus on balancing economic growth with environmental protection and residents' well-being.
