Development agreement provides millions in benefits to Jackson County

Vulcan Materials Company has submitted a proposed Community Development Agreement (CDA) in its recently filed Special Use Permit application with Jackson County that allows mining operations at its East Jackson Quarry site and provides $2 million in payments to support county infrastructure and parks. Unlike other proposals before the County, Vulcan’s planned $40+ million investment will not require any taxpayer subsidies.

“We are proud to be in Jackson County and are committed to protecting the quality of life and character of Jackson County,” said Barry Lawson, District Operations Manager for Vulcan Materials in Georgia. “For more than two years, our team has been listening to the community and developing a comprehensive plan. It is important to us that we are part of the community and provide benefits beyond jobs and positive contributions to the local economy. Our agreement lays out in detail our commitments and how residents, businesses and the County will benefit.

Under the Community Benefits Development Agreement Vulcan will:  

  • Maintain a natural screen on the site with existing mature-growth trees, setbacks and buffers, and vegetated berms.
  • Dedicate nearly 200 acres along Chandler Bridge Road for conservation/passive recreation.
  • Maintain air quality and ground vibration monitors to protect air quality and neighboring properties.
  • Provide neighbors within 1,000 feet of the project site with a well protection policy.
  • Add an exit from the site to safely direct customer trucks onto Highway 441 South.
  • Partner with local law enforcement to promote customer truck driver safety and the rules of the road.
  • Provide neighbors within 2 miles with up to 20 tons per year of free material from the site.
  • Provide $1.5 million to the County to offset costs associated with the development of this project.
  • Provide $500,000 to the County to help develop and preserve the nearly 200 acres.
  • Creating a Community Advisory Group to share and discuss operational, environmental and safety data.
  • Maintaining a 24/7 Community Feedback line for Vulcan to respond to issues or concerns.
  • Maintaining a large site that is screened by existing mature-growth trees, large setbacks and buffers, and vegetated berms.

The Special Use Permit and Community Benefits Agreement need to be approved by the Jackson County Board of Commissioners.

The granite quarry will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and will supply building materials for nearby homes, businesses and infrastructure while creating high-quality jobs and generating additional revenue for the County.

Vulcan plans to invest $40 million in the new facility off US Highway 441 near Richmar Road in Jackson County. Vulcan expects to hire 10-13 new full-time positions and support many additional local jobs by spending approximately $1.1 million+ with Jackson County business and organizations annually. The operation will also provide new tax revenue to government services including road construction, schools and public safety.

Vulcan has a proven track record across the country and is well established in Georgia. It currently operates 44 production and distribution facilities in Georgia, eight of which maintain a Wildlife Habitat Council certification. The company employs nearly 1,200 people in Georgia, and supports nearly 40 employees and retirees living in Jackson County.

To learn more about East Jackson County Quarry and Vulcan Materials Company, email EastJacksonCountyQuarry@vmcmail.com or call (706) 247-7529.