We began writing this column as soon as we left the historic SpaceX announcement in Vermilion Parish: an unprecedented $100 billion investment in Louisiana. While the financial commitment is massive, the news that Elon Musk has chosen our state for his home base means much more for our future — especially when combined with statewide examples of growth and progress.
Called Starbase Louisiana and located southwest of Lafayette, the new SpaceX facility is projected to support more than 3,000 full-time jobs with average salaries of $90,000-plus. Based on the employment history of the company’s Texas facility, about 70% of hires will be local people.
Moreover, the project will create tens of thousands of indirect jobs as the companies in SpaceX’s orbit launch into Louisiana. A broad range of Louisiana companies across the supply chain, from manufacturing to logistics, will also benefit…