The Secret $440,000 Study In Augusta County
Folks in the southern part of the Shenandoah Valley, Augusta County to be specific, are chomping-at-the-bit to know why the Augusta County Board of Supervisors spent $440,000 on a “secret” study for a proposed industrial mega-site that will encompass 1,600 acres and consume millions of gallons of water. If built, the site would occupy pristine farmland in the heart of The Valley.
The Staunton News Leader has provided the best coverage of the issue. Here are a few links.
The rumor is (and I stress rumor) Toyota is considering the site for a manufacturing facility.
Like all localities, Augusta County must make a choice between saving fertile farmland and re-zoning the land in order to attract good paying jobs, which the county currently lacks.
Those opposed to the project feel like they have been duped by the BOS because the study was done in secret, with little or no public involvement.
On the other hand, there are the folks in Augusta County who long for the good paying jobs a company like Toyota will bring.
Let’s face it, not everyone will inherit a 300-acre farm that has been in a family for generations.
I’d say the BOS is doing the right thing by trying to attract good paying jobs to Augusta County and doing the wrong thing by trying to do it in secrect.
Perhaps, the BOS could save a lot of time and heartache by telling everyone two things:
1) What company is considering locating in Augusta County?
2) Why did this have to be done in secrect?
posted by RBV @ 3:49 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
RedBull, I imagine this was a situation where the potential developer did not want their identity known (kinda like the Disney World proposal in NOVA back in the day).
If it was in fact Toyota, that may something they do not want people knowing.
I agree the BOS shouldnt do stuff like this in secret if they can help it, but it may be a matter of them having to do it that way.
gophokie,
I'd say you are correct. The company that is considering the site likely wants to remain anonymous.
But, at some point, that will change. At what point in the equation does/should that information be made available to the public?
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