Louisiana petrochemical contractors look for 'the next wave' of construction boom

Over the past year there’s been a lull in new industrial construction coming off a huge surge in activity from previous years, but contractors are hopeful that more projects gearing up to break ground will come through in the coming months. “Many of these projects were announced years ago, the biggest concern is that we really haven’t seen the next wave,” said David Helveston, CEO of the Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors. “I have some members who are concerned about the business climate to encourage these major industrial projects. Where is the next five years of work?” More than $187.9 billion in industrial construction projects have been announced in Louisiana since 2012, based on figures tracked by economist and consultant Loren Scott. Work has not yet started on $114.9 billion in projects, he said recently, giving hope to contractors and construction workers.
Contractors also have noted there is work to be tapped in Texas, going through its own, similar wave of industrial projects fueled by low-priced, abundant natural gas that is used as a raw material and fuel in petrochemical production and can be exported.