$11.6 rice mill to be developed near Lake Charles

IOWA -The South Louisiana Rail Facility plans to develop an $11.5 million rice mill in Jefferson Davis Parish. The project will create seven new direct jobs with average annual salaries of $43,103 plus benefits, LED estimates another 28 new indirect jobs.

Located at the Lacassine Industrial Park, SLRF is owned by the Jefferson Davis Parish Police Jury and can handle up to 25,000 bushels of rice per hour for storage and export. SLRF will invest $10 million to equip the new facility, with construction slated to begin in September, the news release said.

Development of the 15,000-square-foot facility will create 20 construction jobs, the release said. SLRF expects construction to be complete by January 2021, and hiring for the new on-site jobs to begin soon after.

The state is providing $1.6 million to SLRF through its performance-based Economic Development Award Program, which is designated for infrastructure needs on site and at the mill.

SLRF helps Louisiana farmers market rough rice internationally for more competitive prices. The facility will be on land owned by the Louisiana Agricultural Finance Authority, which will retain ownership of the mill.