OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) -
A natural gas pipeline company based in Owensboro is expanding and adding new jobs.
Southern Star's $5.3 million project means up to 20 new jobs.
Hearing that Southern Star is adding more jobs to Owensboro is music to Kentucky Wesleyan college students' ears.
"That's great news, especially with graduation coming up," said senior Hayley Chrzastowski.
"I definitely think that it's getting easier to find jobs here in Owensboro. I think a lot of things are more adaptable. It's easier to find a place to live," said senior Courtney Durrance.
Over the next few years, Southern Star will build an additional facility on Highway 54, adding around 20 new jobs in areas like Information Technology and Human Resources.
"The quality of the jobs being created are really high level, professional type jobs," said Nick Brake with the EDC.
Southern Star says each job will pay, on average, $40,000 a year with benefits. Most of those jobs will require a college degree.
"The job market is going to be a huge thing for me and knowing that I can come back to a place like Owensboro, the job market is ever increasing," said Chrzastowski.
For creating new jobs, Southern Star will receive just under $400,000 in tax incentives and benefits.
"There's a multiplier effect. These folks go to the store and shop here. They all utilize health clubs. Not only are we expanding 20 jobs, but it's the reinvestment and solidification of this headquarters based here," Brake said.
The Southern Star Natural Gas Transmission System spans over 6,000 miles across eight states, including Kentucky.
For more information on Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, visit www.sscgp.com.
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