DONALDSONVILLE — Officials broke ground on a new Hyundai steel plant in Donaldsonville.

Hyundai describes the steel mill as a $5.8 billion investment in the city and state. Some residents told WBRZ they want Hyundai to leave.

"We are grateful for the partnership this community has shown us. We look forward to deepening our investment in Ascension Parish and creating lasting opportunities for its people and for future generations," said Senior Vice President Hyeong Jin Kim.

But not everyone shares that positive sentiment, especially Donaldsonville activist and resident Ashley Gaignard.

"I think this project can exist away from residents. I don't think industry and residents should be neighbors,” Ashley Gaignard said. "I should not be able to see what's going on in that industry. I should not be able to smell it.”

Anne Rolfes leads the Louisiana Bucket Brigade and insists state leaders should attract and support local businesses rather than larger corporations.

"Who employs most people in this country? It's small business owners,” Anne Rolfes said. “Those are not companies that are going to pollute or one day decide to pick up and leave."

But top state leaders and Hyundai executives insist the residents will benefit and that the plant will be good for all.

Hyundai leaders say they expect to start commercial production at the facility during the first quarter of 2029.