LNG

By DAN WALLACH
The Beaumont Enterprise

Exxon Mobil Corp. received its authorization to build a liquefied natural gas terminal near Sabine Pass from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission late Wednesday.

The order follows the commission's preliminary approval for the project by one week, well within the 30-day period it had announced to make the final decision.

The next step in the estimated $1 billion project is up to the Irving-based oil giant on whether to build the terminal in Jefferson County or to select another location.

ExxonMobil also is considering a terminal in Corpus Christi and also an offshore terminal in the Gulf of Mexico.

Project manager Tom Burger told The Enterprise in an interview last week that its next step is to ask three prime contractors for bids on the terminal.

The three main contractor candidates met with area subcontractors a few weeks ago in a job fair at Ford Arena.