Asphalt plant in Qualla would have minimal economic impact, EDC says

By Rose Hooper

Their unanimous decision is that "the installation of an asphalt plant would have minimal economic impact on Jackson County."

County commissioners last May adopted a yearlong moratorium on the construction of asphalt plants, a move taken in response to a citizen outcry from those opposed to a plan presented by Mark Fortner, owner of HMC Paving in Bryson City. During a previous meeting of the commission, Fortner informed board members of his plans to build an asphalt plant in Qualla's Gateway community and asked for their support of his project.

After enacting the moratorium, county commission Chairman Jay Denton asked the EDC to study the issue and determine how a second asphalt plant would impact the county economically.

As part of their study, the EDC toured several asphalt plants, including Jackson County's only plant, which is operated by Harrison Construction/APAC in Dillsboro. They also met with Qualla residents adjacent to Fortner's proposed plant site and conducted open meetings, listening to public input, including presentations by Fortner.

EDC members studied the number of jobs the plant would offer and how it could create competitive rates. They also heard from air quality specialists and members of other communities who have dealt with asphalt plants in their neighborhoods.

They researched health reports and property values of those in other Western North Carolina counties who live within a half-mile of an asphalt plant. They further studied how asphalt plants affect tourism. In addition, the EDC reviewed polluting industry ordinances from other WNC counties.

In making their decision Jan. 24, the EDC went a step further. They recommended that the county board adopt a polluting industries ordinance, as well as a land use planning ordinance. The EDC will also suggest a work session with the commissioners to discuss their findings in detail. EDC Chairman Tom McClure explained why the EDC made their recommendations.

"With no controls in place, anybody can put an asphalt plant wherever they want in this county," he said. "The commissioners can't just enact a no-asphalt plant ordinance ­ that wouldn't be legal. We have to look at some planning."

"When you weigh the number of voices we heard from the Qualla community opposed to the plant, that's stronger than the number of jobs that an asphalt plant might create... and besides, those jobs may not even be filled by Jackson County people," said EDC member Mark Leonard, who pushed strongly for the land use planning recommendation being a part of what the EDC gives the county.

EDC member Jay Coward agreed. "The detrimental affects would outweigh any jobs an asphalt plant could create," he said.

"Our mission at EDC is to help create jobs, but not jobs at any cost," added McClure.

Describing herself as "an environmentalist at heart," EDC member Brenda Oliver said, "It bothers me that we would add anything else bad to our air... I wish we had done zoning 50 years ago."

Dillsboro's EDC representative Herb Nolan said he appreciated the Qualla community "for bringing the problem of air pollution to our attention. Jackson County is at a point where we need to make some tough decisions."

"We need to manage the county's growth in a way that is smart," Gene Couch, representing Southwestern Community College, said. "Recommending planning and a polluting industries ordinance to the commissioners is our chance to have a positive impact on the community."

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