Assistant County Administrator Russ Wetherington told the Board of County Commissioners that the scope of an economic impact study on mining operations remains to be determined. Commissioner Dukes remarked that having an economic impact study done on the Cemex mining expansion and development before the state approves the project could waste $35,000 of taxpayer money. Russ Wetherington agreed that it could be done after approval. Comm. Dukes suggested that a 2007 FDOT study be looked into since Dr. Weisskoff, the principle investigator of the Levy County study was reported to have immediately contacted the anti-mining group.
Comm. Rowden insisted that the economic study be done by Dr. Weisskoff or someone recommended by Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council arguing that FDOT has an interest in the mined lime-rock.
Chairman Nicholson re-emphasized his position that he is not in favor of a study because the economic impact of mining and redevelopment is up to and specific to the business and developers. Noting the letter by Dr. Weisskoff to the county, he determined that it would be impossible to hire someone to produce an unbiased study. He would be in favor of staff giving their analysis of the FDOT study.
Commissioners voted (4-1) to have staff review the FDOT study and present to them their findings on whether or not this study would fulfill requirements of an economic impact study. If staff finds that it does not fulfill requirements, then they would seek another option for an economic impact study.
After the vote DeeVon Quirolo with Neighbor’s Against Mining and President of Nature Coast Conservation clarified to Commissioners that they initiated contact with Dr. Weisskoff and he has only been keeping them up to date.