KEY TAKEAWAYS: A large crowd attended a Sept. 1 LDEQ hearing on an air permit for Hyundai Steel’s planned Ascension Parish mill. Supporters pointed to jobs, investment and economic development, particularly on the parish’s west bank. Opponents raised concerns about environmental impacts, w orker protections, public health and benefits for nearby communities. Hyundai Steel’s $5.8 billion project is planned for the RiverPlex MegaPark near Donaldsonville, with a groundbreaking reportedly set for Sept. 4.   A large crowd attended and many spoke during a lengthy Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality public hearing for an air permit tied to the Hyundai Steel mill project in Ascension Parish near Donaldsonville. The Sept. 1 hearing at the Lemann Memorial Center included speakers who were both opposed and supportive of the permit for the $5.8 million project located within the RiverPlex MegaPark in the Modeste area along the Mississippi River west bank. The hearing began with LDEQ allotting time for elected officials to speak, followed by individuals who live and work in the area. Several people wore shirts to express both their support and opposition, including members of organizations, such as the Sierra Club, Louisiana Bucket Brigade, Good Neighbors Louisiana and Rural Roots Louisiana. Prior to the hearing, the organizations released statements regarding members’ concerns with the project, ranging from environmental to labor matters. “Hyundai’s project should be held to the highest standards, backed by meaningful commitments to neighboring communities and the future workforce,” Jacob Horwitz of the United Steelworkers said in a Good Neighbors Louisiana release. “USW supports responsible investment in new industry and knows firsthand the value that a good union job in the steel sector can provide — but economic development should not come at the expense of worker protections, public health or community accountability.” Officials support project Elected officials at all levels of government, including President Donald Trump, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and area leaders, have touted the project since it was announced at the White House in March 2025, citing job creation and economic benefits for the Baton Rouge region. Jeff Wiley, the former sheriff of the parish and current member of the state House of Representatives from the 81st district, spoke about a young man who lives in Modeste who will provide a service to Hyundai through his business. “Where is Modeste? Who knows that?” Wiley asked during his comments. “Donald Trump knows that. Wall Street Journal knows where Modeste is. We know. Korea knows. It is where things are happening. I can’t imagine any thoughtful person would not be in support of something with such enormous upside. A real estate agent told me today, this is the busiest he’s ever been in his life, and he’s done it for 50 years in Donaldsonville.” State Sen. Eddie Lambert, State Rep. Tony Bacala, Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment, Ascension Parish Council Chair Chase Melancon and St. James Parish President Pete Dufresne were among the elected officials to speak in support of the permit. “If people think they can support their community without industry, you’re living in a dream,” Dufresne said. “We service our residents, our seniors, our youth, our recreation, our school system and our sheriff’s office. All are funded through ad valorem taxes paid for by industries. And without it, I don’t even know what we would do. I can’t even begin to imagine life without it.” Dufresne mentioned expected challenges in the wake of a workforce cut for The Mosaic Company, which has facilities along the river near the Sunshine Bridge. In his remarks, Melancon pointed to the success of the Donaldsonville High School welding program and the River Parishes Community College training center currently under construction along Hwy. 945 in the city. Ascension Economic Development Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Kate MacArthur said in her comments that the parish leads the state in health outcomes and ranks as the fastest growing parish in the state. “The disparity that has existed is that while Ascension overall is the fastest growing, it’s really attributed to the east side of the parish,” MacArthur said. “That is where population has continued to outpace growth, while this side of the river has seen a decline. The differences between the sides are that there is a lot of opportunity that has happened through projects that have come in, high-paying opportunities and more development. Part of our role is to really look at sites we can market for business opportunities like the Hyundai project. This is a transformational opportunity and the first time we are able to bring in a project that is going to give operational amenities to the residents to help connect business opportunities to really grow the west bank in a way that has never had the experience to in the last 30 to 40 years.” Local pastor speaks in opposition Harry Joseph, a pastor and resident of the area, referred to the more than 30 industrial plants currently operating in the parish. “Why are we figuring now that the west bank will get these jobs?” he asked. “There are plants that have been here since I was a little boy. CF (Industries) has been here for 60 years and not many of us in Donaldsonville are working in that plant.” Joseph went on to question options for stores in the area. “If we’ve been so good, why don’t we have a decent store here? A grocery store?” he asked. “We have to go to Napoleonville to spend our money to get decent groceries. We’ve got to go across the river. And we can’t bring that here, but we can bring a plant here that will destroy the Modeste area.” Joseph recalled that his mother worked in the house located near where the steel mill will be built. “My little brother was born in one of those little red houses,” he said. “That was my history when my family came home, to show them where their uncle was born. I can’t do it now because they’ve torn it down, and nobody knew they were tearing it down. They’re doing things and don’t tell nobody anything.” Business owner among group to visit Seoul Sonny Graugnard, who has owned and operated the furniture and appliance store Graugnard Inc. since 1972, said he was honored to visit Seoul, South Korea, to tour the Hyundai and Kia plants. “I found both facilities to be extremely clean,” he said. “The Kia plant was cleaner than any hospital I’ve ever been in. I was most impressed with the properties, but I was more impressed with the Korean people. They are friendly, transparent and they know how to have a good time. They took very good care of us, and I was very impressed with every one of them. I am thankful that Hyundai is coming to Donaldsonville.” Next in the RiverPlex MegaPark After months of preconstruction activities as dump trucks have been delivering to the site, the company reportedly has planned to hold a groundbreaking event Sept. 4. Michael Tortorich is a journalist for the USA Today Network in Louisiana. Gonzales Weekly Citizen and Donaldsonville Chief, part of the USA Today Network of Louisiana, cover Ascension Parish and the greater Baton Rouge area. Follow at facebook.com/WeeklyCitizen and facebook.com/DonaldsonvilleChief. This article originally appeared on Gonzales Weekly Citizen: Large crowd attends public hearing for Hyundai Steel permit Reporting by Michael Tortorich, Gonzales Weekly Citizen / Gonzales Weekly Citizen USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect ...read more read less