King Road Mine to provide economic boost to Levy County

Latest employment figures show jobless rate between 10-13 percent for area counties

Press Release – April 17, 2009


By CANDY WAYLOCK

Recent news out of the Florida Department of Labor indicates the nation’s economic downturn shows no signs of lifting any time soon in Levy County, or in the surrounding areas. The jobless rate in Levy County rose to 10.6 percent in February—a nearly half point rise from January—with Citrus County at 11.6 percent and Marion County rising to 12.3 percent.

But officials with Tarmac America are looking to help move those numbers downward, with its planned King Road Mine facility on track to open in 2011. The company is seeking permits to allow it to remove limestone aggregate from the mine area which will then be used to help build infrastructure throughout west-central Florida. Without this product, the cost of building and replacing roads goes up dramatically as local builders are forced to import the materials from out of the region.

Tarmac officials say the company is more than halfway through its planned four-year permitting process and getting closer to starting operations, with a construction crew of 60 people and a full time operations staff of 35.

"There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t receive several inquiries from people looking for a job asking when Tarmac will begin the hiring process," said Jeff Harris, plant manager for the King Road Mine. "It is very obvious to me that we have a skilled and experienced workforce in this area that is anxious to get back to work."

In addition to the 30 to 60 positions filled in the construction and operations of the King Road Mine, a study determined more than 300 new jobs in the community will likely be created to support Tarmac’s mining operations. These economic studies estimate the King Road Mine will bring in more than $1 billion to Levy County in just the first 10 years of operations.

But first, permits must be issued to ensure the King Road Mine has met all requirements from the local, state and federal agencies in regards to the environment and the community. The process requires thousands of hours of methodical study, assessments and oversight, as well as taking into consideration the input from community members. The process is a lengthy one, noted Harris, but the company is committed to being a good neighbor in Levy County.

"We plan on being a part of this community for many, many years and want to make sure that we are welcome neighbors from day one," said Harris.

He noted Tarmac has already become an integral part of the community structure in Levy County, supporting its schools, its civic organizations and its community members over the past few years.

"But our support for Levy County will not stop with the opening of the King Road Mine," said Harris, who is a member of the Levy County Education Foundation. "We will continue our community outreach programs and continue our support of local organizations."

To date, Tarmac has completed the following requirements: Levy County traffic study/accident analysis, wetlands delineations, wildlife survey, vegetation survey, water quality report, economic impact study, and historical and archeological study. Tarmac is currently completing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Alternatives Analysis, Groundwater Modeling, Carbon Footprint Analysis and Noise Study.

To learn more about the King Road Mine, visit our offices at 24 Highway 40 East in Inglis, or call 352-447-2074.



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