Sanderson Farms has not decided if it wants to build a poultry plant in Nash County yet, but county commissioners voted Monday morning on a resolution that says the plant is welcome to build there. The resolution states "the Nash County Board of Commissioners desires to formalize its support of the proposed economic development project." The board voted 5 to 2 in support of the resolution which mentions 1100 job opportunities and the proposed increase in the County's tax base of $100 million to be invested in the plant. The resolution says the county stands "ready and willing to finalize negotiations regarding potential inducements and incentives in a form substantially similar to that offered to Sanderson in Lenoir County."
County Manager Bob Murphy says 8 people spoke for the resolution and 6 against it. There have been concerns about foul smells from the plant and water contamination and depletion of water resources.
Murphy says Sanderson Farms has not given a timeline for building the poultry processing plant and related facilities, and again have not made a final decision on the location of the new plant.
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A controversial chicken plant proposal is back on the agenda of the Nash County Board of Commissioners. Sanderson Farms has looked at building a plant in Nash county, drawing mixed reaction from residents.
The Nash County commissioners Monday will consider a resolution that would "express support" for Sanderson building there, along with offering incentives to the company to do so. The resolution says the incentives would model those Lenoir County offered to Sanderson to bring a plant there.
Residents opposed to the plant filed lawsuits, saying the plant would damage the area's water supply.
