Flint Hills Resources has begun the construction phase of a project that will enable its Corpus Christi Westrefinery to process more domestic crude into transportation fuels.

This project, named Project Eagle Ford, is expected to cost around $600 million, require around 2,000 contractors and be completed in 36 months.

In May, Flint Hills Resources received permits for the project from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Internal board approval was received in September.

"In addition to being able to process more domestic crude, this project will also enable us to reduce our criteria air emissions by using best available control technologies and other emission reduction strategies," said Valerie Pompa, vice president for Flint Hills Resources Corpus Christi.

The current capacity of the West refinery is about 230,000 bpd. After the project is complete, it will have the capability to process 100% domestic crude.