Louisiana Lawmakers Strike Deal to Bring ConAgra to Delhi

     In early August ConAgra announced it was bringing its sweet potato processing plant to Richland parish and the potential of 600 jobs.

"Well jobs for one thing and lord knows we need industry in this area bad," said Delhi resident Phil Philips

     That's the mood of Delhi residents after learning about the state's sweet new deal in Richland parish.

    Friday the Louisiana Legislature agreed to pay over $37 million from its Mega Fund to bring ConAgra's sweet potato processing plant to Delhi

     But Representative Bubba Chaney says the move didn't sit well with everyone in the legislature.

"A little more than 50 million dollars left in the Mega Fund itself so at this point in time the people all over the state are looking at what's left and wondering if some project's are going to go forward," said Chaney

In just a few days construction on ConAgra's sweet potato processing plant will begin in this empty field creating hundreds of jobs in about a year.

     Representative Chaney says the construction alone will instantly create close to a thousand jobs.

     When the first phase of the plant is complete in 2010, the plant will employ nearly 300 people.

     Plus the plant will add growth in the farming industry.

 "We've had problems with the price of cotton and so some of those people might potentially look at the sweet potato industry and getting back into it," said Chaney

     In the state's deal, ConAgra promises to eventually reach around 500 employees.

     Representative Chaney says those jobs mean more tax money that will improve a community that's seen better days.

"Up to this point there hasn't been much manufacturing tax base at all in our area," said Chaney

     Delhi resident Phil Phillips lives next to ConAgra's construction site and he says new development will be a welcomed site.

"They're predicting lots of new businesses will span off of this especially in the agriculture area so we're hoping it will," said Phillips.