Clay Higgins : Higgins Announces $2.75M to Construct McNeese LNG Center of Excellence

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has approved a $2.75 million grant for McNeese State University Foundation to construct an LNG Center of Excellence. The funding is provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The project will support the local and national liquified natural gas (LNG) industry and is expected to create 112 jobs and generate $6.3 billion in private investment. According to the proposal, the McNeese LNG Center of Excellence will provide classroom instruction as well as industrial grade facilities where both students and LNG employees can operate process equipment in a safe, controlled environment. Read more about the project here.

Congressman Higgins delivered a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce and EDA last fall to urge support for the project. Read that letter here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

'Southwest Louisiana is the epicenter of the American LNG industry. The partnership between McNeese State University and local industry is critical for our region. The McNeese LNG Center of Excellence will deliver greater support for the local LNG industry through workforce development, specialized training, and applied research. This is a welcome investment that will help create good-paying jobs and increase private investment.'