< p>LACASSINE, La. (AP) — Loading of the first shipment of Louisiana long-grain rice from the recently completed South Louisiana Rail Facility in Lacassine began Wednesday. And after more than three years of planning and nine months of construction, the first load of rice is being shipped by rail to Mexico.

Facility Manager Chuck Ardoin (AHR'-dwahn) tells the American Press (http://bit.ly/cseYHv ) the facility has the ability to load 40 railcars in a 10-hour day.

Local rice farmer Glenden Marceaux (mar-so) the facility will be a major benefit to the rice industry.

The project was funded through the state's capital outlay budget, combined with grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Community Development Block Grant Program.

Rice is a $476 million industry in Louisiana.

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Information from: American Press, http://www.americanpress.com