When the Motiva crude expansion project is completed the company plans to leave a remembrance to Port Arthur, and to the fenceline community bordering what will be the largest refinery in the nation.
At Tuesday's City Council meeting, Motiva representatives announced an $850,000 grant that will build a development center in the city's West Side.
Motiva awarded the grant to Port Arthur Positive Action, a charitable group that will in administer construction of the project. Upon completion, ownership of the approximate 5,000 sq. foot building will be transferred to the city.
The center will serve as a location where non-profit organizations can provide services and deliver programs for residents of the West Side.
Nick Smallwood, Crude Expansion Project director, said the company wanted to leave a legacy project -- something that would impact the community for years to come.
"Plans for this investment have been in the works for several months," he said. "We want this to serve as a reminder of Motiva's gratefulness for the collabroation and support this fence line community has provided during our time of expansion project construction, which is now at its peak."
Greg Willms, Motiva's newly appointed general manager said the company was proud to have this visible reminder of its committment to making a sustainable impact on the city and its residents.
Though the facilty will mainly provide office space for non-profits that will in turn assist many of the West Side community, there will also be a small amount of space alloted for medical facilities such as a dental office or a pharmacy.
Opportunities for training and education will also be available in the center.
The city of Port Arthur is helping PAPA find property for the building, possibly a 7th Street site owned by the city.
"This is an extremely exciting day for Motiva," Verna Rutherford, External Affairs Manager for Motiva and a Port Arthur Positive Action board member, said.
The target date for completion of the Center is during the first quarter of 2012.
Copyright (c) 2011, The Port Arthur News, Texas. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
