x
Breaking News
More () »

Plant expansion sparks rush on Southeast Texas RV parks

RV parks throughout Jefferson County are already experiencing a high number of calls for workers looking to move in following expansion projects.

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — Exxon's Golden Pass LNG expansion in Sabine Pass plans to create close to 10,000 temporary jobs in the next five years.

RELATED | "Exxon, Qatar Petroleum to expand Golden Pass LNG export plant in Sabine Pass"

RV parks throughout Jefferson County are already experiencing a high number of calls for workers looking to move in. 

Cheyenn Weller, who works for Motiva, moved into the Central Mobile Village in Nederland a couple weeks ago. 

"This was kind of difficult to find, but not really," says Weller. "I called a lot of places and this was the cheapest one, they told me they had spaces available so I told them I'm coming in."

Availability at other RV parks are not as easy.

Access RV Park and Port Arthur RV Resort have had to create waiting lists because they are already full.

Allen Davis also lives in the Central Mobile Village, he's noticing more plant workers moving in.

"Three of them just moved in not too long ago," says Davis. "It actually makes the economy a lot better for us and the park owners too because they got more money coming into our place."

The influx of jobs has also led to new RV parks being built.

12News spoke with Port Arthur's assistant city manager Ronald Burton earlier this month.

He expects thousands of workers to pour in.

RELATED | "Motiva eyeing multi-billion dollar expansion at Port Arthur plant"

Burton says "We have been told a number as large as 10,000 people will be seeking employment with the various industries."

Construction has already started on the Golden Triangle RV Resort in Port Arthur and will include 137 spaces. 

Two others could also begin construction pending the city's approval.

Burton also says he'll take a look at the city's ordinances, to ensure that new RV Parks won't create a hole when expansion projects are completed.  

Burton says "I want to make sure that those developments that come in do not become an iso when the occupants of those developments leave our city."

Some parks still have slots open, including Central Mobile Village, but Davis believes that will change quickly.

Davis says "Trust me, these empty spots won't be empty very long."

More jobs is a positive sign for the area, but finding workers a place to stay could become an issue down the road.

Weller says "After all the parks fill up, yeah it will be kind of difficult."

RELATED | "ExxonMobil begins construction for Beaumont refinery expansion, expects 65 percent increase in processing"

The RV park building boom will likely extend beyond Sabine Pass as expansion projects in Beaumont, Orange and Port Arthur have been talked about. 

RELATED | "Orange County finalist for possible $5 Billion Chevron Phillips ethylene plant"

Before You Leave, Check This Out