Woodside Louisiana LNG Commands the National Stage During Washington DC Mardi Gras

A Transformational Investment Taking Shape in Calcasieu Parish

by Kristy Como Armand

Washington DC Mardi Gras is one of Louisiana’s most strategic relationship-building events of the year. 

Held annually in the nation’s capital, it brings together federal policymakers, congressional staff, industry leaders, state officials and business stakeholders for several days of networking, policy debate and economic showcases. And this year, during the last week of January, Southwest Louisiana and the economic growth taking place here commanded the spotlight. 

In a region where energy has powered the economy for decades, a new chapter is unfolding with the Woodside Louisiana LNG’s historic investment in Calcasieu Parish. This was the central focus of the Driving Opportunity panel at Louisiana Economic Development’s Louisiana Now Pavilion during the week’s events. Panel members included Louisiana LNG CEO Sarah Bairstow and leadership from locally owned companies working with Woodside on the project. In a discussion led by LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois, the panel provided an overview of the project and its significant economic impact. 

With more than 35 years of experience delivering LNG worldwide, Woodside brings deep customer relationships and operational expertise to the Southwest Louisiana region. 

Construction is actively underway on the Louisiana LNG project in Calcasieu Parish, representing the largest single foreign direct investment in Louisiana history. In April 2025, Woodside committed $17.5 billion to develop the LNG facility in Sulphur, with first production targeted for 2029. By the end of 2025, the construction workforce had surpassed 1,000 workers, with thousands more expected as the project ramps up.

Beyond its scale, Louisiana LNG reflects strong collaboration between industry and state leadership, including Governor Jeff Landry and Secretary Susan Bourgeois. That coordinated approach helped move the project from concept to construction and reinforces Louisiana’s position along the Gulf Coast as a global energy leader.

The economic impact is substantial. During peak construction, the project is expected to support more than 4,000 on-site jobs and tens of thousands of jobs nationwide through direct and indirect activity. Over the long term, it is projected to contribute hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy.

Just as important is the local impact. Since reaching final investment decision, Woodside and its contractors have committed more than $700 million to Louisiana-based companies, engaging nearly 200 in-state contractors. For Southwest Louisiana businesses, that translates into real contracts, workforce development and participation in a globally significant project.

Companies like Dunham Price in Westlake are already seeing the benefits, citing Woodside’s clear commitment to partnering with local firms and leveraging regional expertise.

For the region, the project represents more than cranes and capital investment. It represents confidence in the region’s workforce, infrastructure and future.

With construction progressing and steel rising, Louisiana LNG sent a clear message from Washington to the world: Southwest Louisiana is not standing still. It is building, competing and leading in the global energy marketplace.

Learn more at woodside.com.