Vulcan Materials Company welcomed the Jackson County Community to an open house at the Jackson County Agricultural Facility on September 23rd to answer questions, address concerns and provide information on the $2 million Community Benefits Agreement and proposed quarry in East Jackson County.

During the open house, Vulcan employees spoke to residents and community stakeholders regarding the proposed quarry’s operations, the stringent environmental protections being put in place, its seamless integration into the community and its importance to the local economy. Vulcan is investing $40 million in the project. Unlike other proposals for the 900-acre site, the quarry is not asking for any taxpayer subsidies and is providing resources and funding to the county for any infrastructure improvements related to the development.

“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”

Vulcan’s commitments, community safeguards, protections and benefits were outlined and explained for all visitors, including the details of the binding Community Benefits Agreement.  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 granite quarry will supply building materials for nearby homes, businesses and infrastructure while creating high-quality jobs and generating additional revenue for the County.