St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation Announces St. Bernard Sheriff and Council’s Approval of Chalmette Refining’s ITEP Application
CHALMETTE, LA – St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation is proud to announce that St. Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann and the St. Bernard Parish Council have unanimously, officially approved Chalmette Refining’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) application at the local level.
Parish President Guy McInnis also expressed his support, stating “this new project is exciting for St. Bernard Parish and the metropolitan area. We welcome the huge investment at Chalmette Refining and look forward to the hiring of over 100 new employees that are a direct result of this project. Renewable energy is at the center of the U.S. energy transition, and we are thrilled to be included on the ground level in St. Bernard.”
The proposed $550 million investment, to be made to PBF Energy’s existing Chalmette Refining facility, will serve as a top producer of biofuels and renewable diesel. The project involves retrofitting a refinery unit that has been idled since 2010, constructing a new pre-treatment unit, and making additions to docking, loading, offloading and tankage capabilities. If the ITEP is approved by the other local entity (the St. Bernard Parish School Board), and the potential investors select St. Bernard for the project, construction of the improvements to the facility could begin as early as this year, with plans to be fully operational by the end of 2022 or first quarter of 2023.
PBF Energy's Chalmette Refinery Manager Steve Krynski is thankful for the Parish’s support in making this project a reality and noted, “PBF Energy is looking for projects that will create stability for our workforce, prepare the refinery for a green energy transition and help us recover from the losses of the last year and a half. Louisiana financial incentives like the Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs help make the numbers work, especially as our company and entire industry recover from the pandemic. With the support of our state and local leaders, I am hopeful we will be able to bring this project and its economic benefits to St. Bernard Parish.”
The project will directly add 20 new, permanent jobs in St. Bernard with an estimated payroll of $1.4 million, and at least 92 indirect jobs and 600 jobs expected for construction. PBF Energy’s Chalmette Refinery, built in 1915, is the largest private business taxpayer and employer in the parish and employs more than 500 people currently.
“The importance of our local entities’ support in bringing this project to life cannot be understated. This expansion project and the new jobs and tax revenue that come with it would be incredibly positive for our Parish as we recover from the pandemic and look to the future of St. Bernard,” said Meaghan McCormack, Executive Director of the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation. “My hope is that the School Board will also see the benefits [of this potential project] and will be willing to vote in a way that showcases how unified our parish is in its encouragement of the innovation and growth of local companies.”
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About St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation
St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) is the official economic development organization and public-private partnership of St. Bernard Parish formed to create and retain jobs, build prosperity, and improve quality of life. To learn more about SBEDF and how the organization works to foster business attraction, retention and expansion, neighborhood revitalization, small business assistance, and talent and workforce development in St. Bernard Parish, visit sbedf.org.
About PBF Energy
PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE: PBF) is one of the largest independent refiners in North America, operating oil refineries and related logistics facilities through its subsidiaries. The company’s mission is to operate its facilities safely, reliably and environmentally responsibly; provide employees with a safe and rewarding workplace; be a positive influence in the communities where it does business; and provide superior return to investors. For more information, visit pbfenergy.com.
About Chalmette Refining
The Chalmette Refinery was constructed in 1915 and became a part of the PBF Energy family in 2015. The refinery is the No. 1 private employer, No. 1 taxpayer and largest revenue-generating asset in St. Bernard Parish. With more than 500 employees, the refinery is committed to hiring and training residents, demonstrating the company’s dedication to its host community. PBF is committed to continuing investing in its employees, the facility and local residents, and has funded more than $355.5 million worth of projects at the facility since acquiring the facility. For more information, visit chalmetterefining.com.