Area Development
CH2M Hill Co., an engineering and construction firm that helps government, public utility and industry clients, plans to invest $5.2 million to develop an energy center in Houston Texas, initially creating of 285 jobs, with plans to build its workforce to 500 employees by 2015.

"Texas' successful formula of low taxes, predictable regulations, fair courts and skilled workforce has made our jobs climate second to none, and continue to attract employers and investment to the Lone Star State," Gov. Rick Perry said.

As an incentive the Texas Enterprise Fund approved $2.3 million to assist the firm developing its facility and creating jobs. "This TEF investment in CH2M Hill will create hundreds of high quality jobs in Houston, pump millions of dollars in capital investment into the area, and expand the region's energy economy," Gov. Perry said. This new global energy practice will work with companies in the chemical, energy and life science industries.

CH2M HILL Vice President and Houston Area Manager Michael E. Lucchesi, P.E., said, "As one of the worldwide hubs for the global energy market, investment in our Houston operations will allow us to meet staffing demands created by capital project investment and growth by our clients in the energy, petrochemicals and chemicals market sectors."

"Thank you to CH2M and the Texas Enterprise Fund for this huge investment in Houston," Mayor Annise Parker said. "It is affirmation of the strength of our economy and jobs market. We continue to out-perform the rest of the nation with our business-friendly approach, excellent quality of life and low cost of living."