The construction industry has been a white-male-dominated field in the U.S., UK, and across the world. However, in recent years, minorities are playing a major role in the sector, either as founders of construction companies or supervisors of multimillion-dollar construction projects.
The US Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District recently awarded Greenup Cajun JV, LLC, a $102.5 million construction contract to build hurricane protection structures and move levees and drainage canals in Louisiana’s Plaquemines Parish, according to a statement by Greenup Industries, which is minority-owned with most of its leaders being African Americans.
Greenup Cajun JV, LLC is a joint venture partnership that features the skills and experience of Greenup Industries (Greenup) and Cajun Industries, LLC, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the statement added. Greenup Cajun JV, LLC, submitted the lowest bid of four for the “New Orleans to Venice 1st lift levee and drainage canal relocation project, La Reussite to Myrtle Grove, Plaquemines Parish”.
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The project consists of clearing, grubbing, excavating new drainage canals, placing culverts and drainage structures, building new T-walls and levee ramp crossings, placing levee embankments, and geotextile work, turf establishment, and surfacing.
“We are thrilled to be working with Cajun Industries on this project and look forward to doing all we can to provide storm and hurricane protection to Louisiana,” Greenup said.
Louisiana-based Greenup has handled large-scale projects for the public good over the years. It has for instance refurbished roads and bridges and led industrial construction and maintenance since its founding in 2012. Greenup operates in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama, and hopes to expand into Florida soon.
The construction company has clocked over 500,000 plus safe work man-hours. In addition, the firm has received several awards, including Gold Medal Award, presented by Shell/Norco, the Contractor Safety Award, presented by CAST, and the Safety Excellence Award, presented by Gulf South Safety Council, per the statement.
Cajun Industries, since its founding in 1973, has provided fully integrated, self-performed engineering, procurement, and construction services to some of the world’s largest and most respected companies.
The project awarded to Greenup Cajun JV, LLC, is expected to be completed by November 30, 2026.
