Council approves rezoning for new asphalt plant near airport; applicant projects $6 million investment and nine jobs

Attorney Eddie Felling, representing Reath Riley and Jack 46 LLC, presented a rezoning/permit request for a new asphalt plant immediately north of the airport and across the street from an existing Milestone facility. Felling said the project is approximately a $6,000,000 investment and that the applicant expects to employ about nine full-time employees; the applicant aims to begin construction early next year and complete the plant in 2026.

Felling told the council most asphalt supply for the area comes from a small number of regional plants and that an additional local plant could increase local supply and competition for municipal and county paving projects. He said federal and state environmental permits will be required because the work involves petroleum-based materials and that the applicant understands the IDEM and EPA regulatory regimes.

Council discussion focused on traffic and safety on Hunt Road, where the plant is located; Felling and council members discussed planned Hunt Road repairs and a longer-term College Avenue extension to route heavy truck traffic away from neighborhood streets. A nearby property owner, Edward Cook of EDA, appeared at the area planning commission and raised concerns about Hunt Road conditions; Felling said city plans to repair Hunt Road next year would help mitigate local impacts.

Councilperson Thompson moved to approve Special Ordinance 39-20-25; the council voted to approve the ordinance on a voice vote with no recorded opposition.