Board Gives Initial Approval To C&D Project

The Hyde County, NC, Board of Commissioners has approved the first reading of an ordinance that would give the D.H. Griffin Co. a franchise agreement to build a port and recycling center on the Intracoastal Waterway in Hyde County.

The first reading was approved during the regular meeting of the Hyde County Board of Commissioners.

An industrial marine terminal and a recycling center for construction debris would be constructed on the site.

When the plant begins operation, it is expected to provide 45 new jobs for the people of Hyde County, the commissioners heard. The plant also is expected to generate an annual payroll of $1.5 million.

The facility would represent a $15 million investment, expanding Hyde County's tax base.

If things go well, jobs for local people could become available in 15 to 18 months, according to company officials.

Representatives from D.H. Griffin told the commissioners that the establishment of the port facility for barges should entice other businesses to the area.

One barge, they said, could haul a load equivalent to what 120 tractor-trailer rigs can handle, but the barge requires only as much fuel as four of the rigs would use.

In the recycling operation, the Griffin Co. representatives said, the wood would be separated, ground up and resold. Cardboard would be recycled, and a composting facility would be put into operation.

Company officials are to meet again with the commissioners on Aug. 2. At that time, the following three decisions are expected to be made: the size of the service area for the recycling center, the amount of material that can be received at the facility, and whether a variance to the county's flood ordinance can be approved to assist the company with its plans.

Commissioner Willie M. Carawan Jr. said that he had visited other facilities operated by the company. He believes the Hyde County project would not affect the environment adversely.

Jack Mason, who oversees the solid waste operation in the county, said the plant could save the county between $70,000 and $90,000 in transportation cost for solid waste during its initial operating year. Washington (North Carolina) Daily Times