ASCENSION PARISH — The Louisiana Bond Commission approved more than $1 billion to help fund the construction of a Hyundai steel mill in Ascension Parish.

The company asked for approval of two separate bonds, totaling more than a billion dollars, after holding a celebratory groundbreaking two weeks ago.

Tim Johnson with TJC Group, which represents Hyundai locally, told the commission the bonds had to be approved to move forward with the project.

"While we recognize oil and gas, refining and chemistry will always be the foundation of Louisiana's economy," Johnson said, "projects like this represent a responsible diversification."

Not everyone in the room agreed. Modeste resident Twila Collins said the decision was rushed and could uproot her entire community.

"You're not going to have anybody in the community," Collins said. "Either they're going to start moving, or they're going to continue dying."

State Sen. Jay Morris told activists the steel mill fills an economic gap in the region.

"We can't all sell each other hamburgers and make a living," Sen. Jay Morris said. "There has to be an economic driver for the state and the region."

Hyundai announced plans to hire 1,300 full-time workers with an average salary of $95,000.

"Our citizens need jobs," Morris said. "They have to support their families. The government has limited resources."

Opponents say the approval of $1.3 billion in bonds will not stop their efforts to halt the plant. A community meeting is scheduled for the 28th and state leaders were invited to attend.