Sasol buys church in Westlake; heavy haul route construction underway

WESTLAKE, LA (KPLC) - Sasol recently bought First Baptist Church of Westlake and its surrounding lot to begin construction of a transit route as part of the company's multibillion-dollar ethane cracker project.

"Properties on the south side of Sulphur Avenue and properties along the north side of Old Spanish Trail are properties we've been negotiating with over the past couple of years," said Sasol public affairs manager Mike Hayes.

The church property will be used as part of the project's heavy haul route, which will be used to transport large modules and other equipment from a construction dock to Sasol's project site.

"We've already started moving power lines, working with Entergy through Triad Electric and some other contractors to get the power lines out of the way," said Hayes. "Widening the road will be the next step. Building the dock and the dock facilities is underway."

Rev. Wayne McEntire of First Baptist Church of Westlake says the offer couldn't have come at a better time.

"The church acquired property on the golf course here in Westlake, over 19 acres, so relocation plans have already been in the works," said McEntire. "This gave us a buyer and the resources needed to make that move."

McEntire says Westlake Assembly of God is also negotiating with Sasol and has to share a facility with Westlake Church of God on Maddox St. until ready to move. He says they hold services at different times.

Hayes says the heavy haul route construction shouldn't be an inconvenience to citizens. He says the first step is relocating both underground and above ground utilities. Signs, fencing and other itemsthat are located in the route that modules will pass through will also be relocated. Width and weight capacity of roads will also be increased and new traffic signals will be installed at the Sampson St. and Sulphur Ave. intersection.

Hayes recommends citizens to log on to Sasol's website and sign up or text alerts to stay up to date on construction alerts and other news.

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Sasol buys church in Westlake; heavy haul route construction underway