Members of the Jackson County Economic Development Commission (EDC) met recently with Mark Fortner of HMC paving at the site of his proposed asphalt plant.

Last spring Fortner purchased a 12-acre tract in the Qualla community of Jackson County. Fortner’s plans were put on hold, however, when Jackson County commissioners — at the urging of community residents — imposed a one-year moratorium on the construction of asphalt plants in the county.

The EDC had been charged by county commissioners with making recommendations regarding the plant. Tom McClure, EDC chairman, said commission would conduct a “thorough and exhaustive” investigation and have a recommendation by December.

“It’s not fair to anyone involved to take a year to resolve this,” McClure said.

Fortner showed board members the property and pointed out where the plant would sit. He intends to move his operation from Swain County, utilizing the old Worley house as offices and constructing a garage.

The move would cost around $1 million, Fortner said. He plans to purchase a brand new, diesel-burning asphalt maker that would produce 60 tons per hour. HMC currently uses up to 30,000 tons per year. He said other contractors are interested in purchasing asphalt. The plant would add 10 employees.

HMC's current work force is around 10.

“It’s hard to work around other people’s schedules. Last week and this week we probably hauled 1,500 tons from Haywood County,” he said.

Two different plans are being studied regarding traffic. One entails entrance and exit lanes on four-lane U.S. 74, and the other requires improvements to Worley Road. Fortner said he is discussing both options with DOT but he feels the Worley Road access would be safer and easier.

Asked about the community's concerns, Fortner reiterated that the plant was a small business and told the board he felt concerns were exaggerated. He said he would wager that once the plant had been in operation for a period of time, “you couldn't get three people to go to a commissioners meeting.”

EDC members Herb Noland and Frank Wilkey live close to APAC's asphalt plant in Dillsboro. Both said the plant is not a problem. Wilkey said there is more odor when the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad sits and idles.

Economic development director Tamera Crisp called the meeting a fact-finding mission. She said it was good for the board to get out and see the property.

McClure said the EDC had met with representatives from the Department of Energy and Natural Resources and the consensus from the state was that asphalt plants were a minor concern with regards to air quality.

Fortner said he hoped to begin the permitting process by sometime this week. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy and the longer we wait, the harder it will be,” he said.

 

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