Exxon Mobil has a fight on its hands. The small town of Portland near Corpus Christi, Texas is opposing plans by Exxon and Saudi Basic Industries Corp. to build a nearby massive petrochemical plant. Sort of a David vs. Goliath story.
Town leaders are citing safety issues even though the 1,400-acre project is technically outside city limits. However, it will be located next to the Portland high school.
Reports indicate some 11,000 workers will be employed to build the plant in the next five years. The project could generate $70 billion in economic gains and create 4,000 permanent jobs. Groundbreaking is set for the coming spring.