ASCENSION PARISH, La. (Louisiana First) — Hyundai-Posco Louisiana Steel is moving forward with plans to build a $5.8 billion steel mill in Ascension Parish, promising thousands of jobs and economic growth while some Modeste residents continue to raise concerns about the project's potential impact on their community.
The company held a media briefing ahead of a ceremonial groundbreaking and outlined the project's expected economic and environmental benefits.
Hyundai-Posco CEO Kyung Jin Kim said the mill is expected to create 5,400 jobs, including 1,300 direct jobs and 4,100 indirect jobs.
"We will bring with us 5,400 total jobs, 1,300 direct jobs and 4,100 indirect jobs," Kim said.
The company says commercial production is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2029. The facility is expected to produce about 2.7 million metric tons of steel each year, with about 70% intended for automotive applications and the remainder for commercial uses.
Kim also highlighted the project's environmental technology, saying the mill would use electric-based steelmaking technology and reduce carbon emissions by 70% compared with conventional steelmaking.
"We will use the newest technology in the world. That means cleaner steel. That is better for the environment," Kim said.
But residents in Modeste, a historically rural community near the proposed site, say economic development is not their only concern.
Twila Collins, whose family has lived in Modeste for generations, said the project is deeply personal to her.
"My family has been here since the 1800s. We have a lot of history here," Collins said. "This land is sacred, is very sentimental to me."
Collins said she is concerned residents have not had enough input into decisions affecting their community.
One resident voiced a similar concern about the state's investment in the project.
"The state had given you so much money to come here. What about us? You want to kick us out of our own community?"
Health is another major concern for Collins.
"We're going to be the ones suffering. Our health is going to be declining as it is already. It's going to be worse," Collins said.
The proposed air permit includes emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and fine particulate pollution.
Hyundai Senior Media Relations Manager Stephanie Malin said the company has made changes in response to community concerns.
"We've listened to the community and we also, in addition to listening to the community, have reduced some of those emissions in the permit," Malin said.
Hyundai representatives said community engagement has been a priority throughout the planning process.
Tim Johnson of the TGC Group, a consulting firm working with Hyundai-Posco Louisiana Steel, said the company has held roughly a dozen community meetings and invited residents to participate.
"We take concerns very seriously and we have from the very beginning," Johnson said. "We are willing to meet and have legitimate conversations with anyone in the community who is concerned."
Johnson said the company's community-benefit plans were developed based on feedback gathered through meetings, listening sessions and the West Ascension Community Advisory Panel.
"The community benefits that are going to be forthcoming and the ones that have already taken place are based on input that we have gotten directly from the community," Johnson said.
The company also says it has already contributed more than $31,000 to local organizations, including the Modeste Food Bank and programs in Donaldsonville.
For Collins, however, the concerns extend beyond the project's emissions and economic promises.
She said she worries the development could change the character of Modeste, a community where residents have traditionally enjoyed a quieter way of life.
"The community ... will never be the same," Collins said. "We have peace and quiet in our neighborhood. We could sit outside and don't worry about anything."
The project still requires an air permit before major construction can move forward. Company representatives said site preparation has begun, but the facility cannot begin full construction until the permit is awarded.
State regulators will now consider the proposed air permit as Hyundai-Posco continues its plans for the steel mill.
Hyundai-Posco steel mill project moves forward as Modeste residents raise health, community concerns
REPORT: Dae'Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris not listed on LSU roster ahead of Clemson game
Tetris suggests White House 'Build the Wall' game infringes copyright
Malcolm-Jamal Warner's mom slams widow in $4M clash over trust
New video shows Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and airplane collide 'violently' last month
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.