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Bob Warwick: Titan means jobs, economic investmentSunday, April 19, 2009 I am a native of Wilmington and have lived here all of my life except for four years in college. I have been involved in all aspects of economic development for our area for over 40 years. I am also an environmentalist. I have assisted in the preservation of tens of thousands of acres of land in the southeast. I know the people involved with Carolinas Cement Co., and I trust them to do the right thing. All we ask for Carolinas Cement is that they be given a fair opportunity to prove to the federal and state regulatory agencies that they can meet or exceed the standards established by the government for the industry. If they cannot meet federal and state regulatory requirements, they will not be allowed to build the plant. If they do meet the requirements of the law, we should welcome them as good corporate citizens. The Coalition for Economic Advancement was formed to promote responsible economic development and job growth in our region. The group consists of local business leaders and concerned citizens. The impetus for the coalition's formation is our disappointment in how Carolinas Cement (a Titan America company) has been subjected to harsh rhetoric and unsubstantiated rumors since it first announced its plan to build a cement plant in Castle Hayne. The coalition is here to set the record straight on what Carolinas Cement will mean to this area. 1,000 jobs during construction 160 permanent jobs The economic ripple effect that comes form a $500 million investment in our area Support for our area schools via Carolinas Cement tax dollars Support for our community via Carolinas Cement's donation of time and resources The Coalition is also here to set the record straight on our opponents Our opponent is not "Stop Titan" or elected officials who are trying to legislate a halt to Carolinas Cement. Our opponent is fear. An irrational emotion that feeds on rumor and innuendo. Our opponents fear that our way of life will somehow be damaged. Not true. There is nothing to fear from Carolinas Cement. It is a solid company with a fine track record in communities where it exists. It is following every law and regulation in place. It has stated that it will follow new regulations that come on line after it is built. It would replace the Ideal Cement Company, which existed on the site for more than 20 years without incident. As responsible business people who care about the growth and survival of our community, we ask our neighbors to let Carolinas Cement go through the regulatory process required by federal, state and local law. If they meet the permitting requirements, we should welcome them. If they don't, we won't. Never in our state's history has our state government welcomed a company who will bring hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in capital investment to relocate then stood by as politicians seek to legislate against that one single company. Meanwhile, New Hanover County faces a 10 percent unemployment rate. Those folks aren't protesting Carolinas Cement. They are looking for jobs. And they support Carolinas Cement's efforts to bring responsible job growth to our area. I am outraged that a company following the letter of the law is being denied is chance to go through the permitting process as dictated by our state regulations. Now is not the time to engage in political theater. It's the time to bring jobs home to Southeastern North Carolina. We've heard the grossly exaggerated arguments about the plant's impact on the environment and public health. Here are the facts: Carolinas Cement will preserve 310 acres of pristine wetlands that border the Cape Fear River and will focus it mining efforts on wetlands that have already been dramatically impacted by farming and tree cultivation. The company is using a closed-loop water system to recycle all water use back through the plant. The water used in its mining operations is pristine water that will be released back into the river to replenish the aquifers. Carolinas Cement will adhere to the strictest mercury emissions dictated by the EPA. A six-month, independent study conducted by one of the nation's most respected toxicologists is examining the impact of the plant's mercury emissions. Results of the study will be released this month. Each one of us uses cement. Concrete is the second most used substance in the world, behind water. Cement is a fundamental element of concrete, one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly products in the world. North Carolina does not have a cement plant. To remain competitive, we need one. And the only area with the right limestone mix is right here in Castle Hayne - at the site of the old Ideal Cement plant My belief is that Carolinas Cement and Titan America offer our community a wonderful opportunity. Every citizen will benefit. That's why the Coalition for Economic Advancement supports Carolinas Cement. -- |
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