Hollywood, Alabama - Bellefonte Nuclear Facility, Briefing and Announcements, July 30, 2018 -- Update - August 4, 2018: A Question of Nuclear Reliability - May 6, 2021 - Update and Documents Review

Bellefonte Nuclear Facility near Hollywood, Alabama July 30, 2018, lots of talk today and promises. Interviews reveal no completion of financing or sale; however, all said the sale will be complete by the November 2018 deadline. (photo by G. Morgan)

Bud Cramer, former U.S. Congressman for our area, now works for Nuclear Development LLC. Cramer stated, no foreign money involvement (see UPDATE below), DOE grant in final stage says Cramer, grant level at $5 billion dollars. On schedule for sale finalization by November 2018.

MAY 6, 2021 - REVIEW AND UPDATE OF DOCUMENTS AND STATUS OF THE BELLEFONTE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT, UNITS 1 AND 2

Documents indicating violations of law, regulation and policy -  

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

 DOCKET NOS. 50-438 and 50-439

Expert Testimony and Declarations (link) 

https://cleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/BLN12DeclarationGundersen050609.pdf

Quote Regarding the Bellefonte Nuclear Plant Cannibalization: "Dr. Bob Doggart, a former senior engineering specialist at TVA who now serves as the managing lead assessor for the British Institute of Nondestructive Testing LLC said. “To allow outsiders to come in and remove key equipment for virtually nothing was unbelievably foolish.” Chattanooga Times Free Press on March 29, 2009"

Quote (pg14): ". . . licensure and operation of TVA’s Bellefonte Units 1 and 2 pose a grave risk to public health and safety without an entirely new construction permitting process, Quality Assurance Program, and environmental data analysis. . . "

CURRENT NRC STAUS AND DOCUMENTATION ON THE LICENSE TRASFER

Link: https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/new-reactors/bellefonte-constr-permits.html

ALL THINGS RELATED TO BELLEFONTE NUCLEAR POWER FACILITY ON THIS BLOG LINK:

https://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Bellefonte%20Nuclear%20Power%20Plant 

UPDATE - A question of nuclear reliability

Wall Street Journal Article regarding alleged questionable foreign financing in violation of the Atomic Energy Act from Qatar involving President Trump's contacts and Nuclear Development LLC.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/top-trump-donor-agreed-to-pay-michael-cohen-10-million-for-nuclear-project-push-sources-say-1533245330?mod=hp_lead_pos4 

More Updates, this one from Alabama Media Group, al.com 

More on corruption associated with Franklin Haney and Bellefonte - "You got trouble Alabama and its' name is Haney" - https://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2018/08/you_got_trouble_alabama_and_it.html#incart_river_index

Corruption, Bellefonte and Haney - Nuclear Development,LLC

Preston Swafford, SNC Lavalin, former TVA, stated cost would be at approximately $3 billion dollars to complete Unit 1; a low ball estimate, more in the line of $5 billion to complete Unit 1. Operations for power delivery estimate to begin in 2024 according to Swafford. Costs of the Bellefonte facility in 2010 were $8 Billion  to complete both Unit 1 and Unit 2. Current costs are estimated for Unit 1 (55% complete) completion $5 billion; Unit 2 completion (35% complete) cost estimates $ 8-9 billion. 10 year inflation costs are at 65-70%. Every month, every year which passes costs increase.  (photo by G. Morgan)

Jackson County Economic Development Authority CEO Shelia Shepard opened the briefing today. 

AGENDA and SNC Lavalin Press Statement

(Click on image for an expanded view.)

Chattanooga Times Free Press article from today by Dave Flessner:   https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/breakingnews/story/2018/jul/30/haney-outlines/475955/   Quote -""TVA began gutting key components out of the Bellefonte reactors a decade ago whenTVA first decided to abandon the original Bellefonte units in favor of next generation nuclear power. TVA later reversed that decision but then ultimately gave up on any of its plans for Bellefonte as demand for additional electricity has stagnated in the Tennessee Valley. Critics of the Bellefonte plant contend that the integrity of the plant safety systems was jeopardized when steam generators and other equipment was removed. . .We don't believe that Bellefonte could ever meet the safety standards that the NRC would require because it was put outside of the nuclear quality and assurance standards and we've seen no credible program to bring it back into those requirements," said Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, which has long opposed the completion of Bellefonte.""

History Links regarding the Bellefonte Nuclear Facility near Hollywood, Alabama

Power Technology: https://www.power-technology.com/projects/bellefontenuclearpla/

WIKI Referenced Info on Bellefonte: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellefonte_Nuclear_Generating_Station

BIZJOURNAL reports this info regarding Bellefonte: 

"A private engineering consultant with an office in Birmingham has been enlisted to help complete work on a nuclear power plant in Jackson County.  Enercon Services Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding with Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin to help complete work on the Bellefonte Unit 1 Nuclear Generating Station in the Alabama town of Hollywood."   https://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/news/2018/06/28/georgia-firm-to-help-build-nuclear-power-plant-in.html

Chattanooga Times Free Press article from June 8, 2018:    https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/business/aroundregion/story/2018/jun/08/haney-signs-agreement-canadifirm-finish-belle/472720/  Note previous TVA employees involved in this firm. 

VIDEO of Bellefonte Nuclear Facility Briefing and Announcements, Monday July 30, 2018

Economic Development Authority Board Selects Shelia Shepard as CEO/President - EDA NEWS RELEASE - July 17, 2017

Shelia Shepard Hired as President and CEO of Jackson County Economic Development Authority 

Scottsboro, Alabama

July 17, 2017

The Jackson County Economic Development Authority (JCEDA) Board announced today that Mrs. Shelia Shepard has been named President/CEO of the organization.  Mrs. Shepard has been serving as Interim President/CEO. (JCEDA Facebook photo, crop by G. Morgan, Fair Use for non-profit news reporting.)

"We are very pleased that Mrs. Shepard has accepted the Board's offer to officially become President/CEO of JCEDA," stated Board Chair Dr. David Campbell.  "She has done an excellent job as Interim and of course has years of experience working in economic development for Jackson County.  We are excited about our county's economic future with Mrs. Shepard leading the way."

The Board conducted a structured process in the selection process.  The job was posted nationally and was open for forty-five days for individuals to apply.  "When it was all said and done, Mrs. Shepard was the unanimous choice of the Board members," Campbell stated.  "With her experience, connections, and passion for Jackson County, she was the perfect choice. We look forward to many achievements in economic development under her leadership."

The Board of Directors, in addition to Campbell includes Tommy Harding, Rudder Williams, Bruce Purdy, Jim Green, Phillip Thompson, and A.J. Buckner.

Shelia has an A.S. degree with Honors in Business from Northeast AL Community College, a B.S. degree with Honors in Business and Accounting from Athens State University,  the Basic Intensive Economic Development certification, the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute certification, TVA Rural Leadership Institute, Leadership Jackson County, as well as numerous training conferences offered through the Economic Development Association of Alabama, Tennessee Valley Authority and the North Alabama Industrial Development Association.

She has helped develop, co-host or serve on the steering committee for various workforce development programs such as, BEST Robotics, CEO Expo Career Fair, CHOICES Program, North Alabama Works Workforce Board, Tri-State Workforce Development Board, and the Impact Learning Center Board.  She also works closely with our existing industry to help offer programs such as Jackson County HR Professionals, Northeast AL Maintenance Managers, Quality Forums, Safety and Environmental Conference, and AIDT Leadership Skills

“I could not be more proud to be named President. CEO of the Jackson County EDA!” said Shepard.  “I have been with the EDA for almost 25 years and it is not just a job for me.  It is something that I truly love and care about.  Jackson County is my home.  I have family, children and grandchildren here and I want to do everything I can to help improve the economic future for them and all of Jackson County.” 
-----------------------------------------------
About Jackson County EDA:   Jackson County Economic Development Authority's mission is to attract new industries to Jackson County, Alabama and help existing industries expand and prosper to provide quality jobs for local citizens.

CONTACT:
shepard@scottsboro.org
Jackson County EDA @ 256-574-1331
www.jacksoncountyeda.org 

GOOD LUCK SHELIA - YOU HAVE EARNED THIS POSITION. Garry Morgan - "In-The-Boro"

Jackson County Commission Regular Session Continuation on County Park Building Lease and Work Session, Commission and Sheila Sheppard of the Jackson Co. EDA Asked Questions on How Federal Budget Changes Would Affect Workforce Development Programs, March 20, 2017

Jackson County Courthouse, north side, photo by G. Morgan

AGENDA

Jackson County Alabama unemployment rate is the highest since July 2014, same as it is now at 7.5% http://www.jacksoncountyeda.org/workforce.pdf

Alabama's current unemployment, Jan. 2017 is 6.4%, U.S unemployment for the same period is 4.8%

Will work force development funding be cut, including CDBG Grants and the end of the Appalachian Regional Commission as proposed in the new Federal Budget as President Trump recommended. Report on the end of important Federal programs: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/16/what-does-trump-budget-eliminate/99223182/

VIDEO

Is Google Really a Sweet Deal for Jackson County Alabama, or is it "Hemlock?" Update is needed - Transparency is Important!

Google Data Center in Douglas County Georgia .Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.

UPDATE: February 5, 2015 - Google’s director of global infrastructure explains why Google has planned its 14th data center — a $600 million capital investment — in rural north Alabama. 

http://www.businessalabama.com/Business-Alabama/February-2016/Google-Data-Center--Alabama/?utm_source=Business+Alabama%2C+2%2F4%2F16&utm_campaign=BA+Newsletter%2C+02%2F04&utm_medium=email#.VrO7Rvzr6zw.facebook

Photo opportunities for politicians do not always mean a benefit for taxpayers. Governor Bentley at the Widows Creek site. Photo by State of Alabama, Fair-Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.

There is a moral to this story - When you place secrecy and corporate Amerika before American taxpayers and transparent governance, it usually costs the taxpayers big bucks, often with a limited return.

Public TVA Photo Map of the Widows Creek "Data Center Site" Fair Use rights for non-profit news reporting and commentary.

Is the Google deal as sweet as we are being led to believe?

Let's look at some history involving TVA, Jackson County, Weissner Enterprises, Google and who knows who else, it is a secret deal. Sometimes secrecy is not such a good deal for those who have to pay for the secrecy and infra-structure, previous article on this blog: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2015/06/jackson-county-commission-june-22-2015.html

Hemlock poisoning, yes strange but true, Hemlock Semi-conductors, Clarksville, Tn. New site of Google - http://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2015/12/21/tennessee-silcon-plant-may-become-google-data-center/  Coincidence, the company dies before it starts and it is named Hemlock, hmmm? Think about this, 2 data centers in the TVA area?

Meanwhile back at the Jackson County Google ranch, some speculation and thoughts. The county entered into a secret agreement with Weissner Enterprises, LLC, the shell company representing Google, in what had to be infra-structure improvements. The 1% tax deal died, has the Google deal died with it or do I see a county bond is sue on the horizon?  Soon after the 1% county tax referendum died, Google announced the Hemlock deal up in Clarksville, Tn. Google would have never considered this area if not for the high speed fiber optics installed by the North Alabama Electric Co-op.

Let's pay attention to some other factors, employment by Google. Google is one of the largest importers of foreign workers - H-1B Visa program, "“Over the years the program has become a government-assisted way for employers to bring in cheaper foreign labor...Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama said American schools are graduating twice as many students specializing in science, technology, engineering and math than there are jobs to fill in those specialties...“It has nothing to do with trying to find the best and brightest,” Sessions said of the H-1B visa program’s proposed expansion."   http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/03/18/google-eric-schmidt-congress-h-1b-visa-economy-immigration-tech-workers/

It is all about cheap labor, free property, free infra-structure. All costing the tax-payers, that includes local taxpayers, big expenses. It is time for some transparency on this, secrecy can only go so far. Propaganda is a player in this, as is in Clarksville, Tn. This is not about providing hundreds, even ten local jobs, nor is it about increasing taxes for the area as Google will receive numerous tax benefits at the expense of Jackson County residents. There has to be a known, stated benefit for the citizens of Jackson County, not just freebies for one of the largest corporations in the world.

Money does not grow on trees, politicians and their corporate masters cannot continue to pick us dry. Photo Art by "ColoradoPeakPolitics.com" Fair Use for non-profit news and commentary.

Confidentiality is important in these deals, but there is a limit.  Particularly when it will cost the local taxpayers millions of dollars and increase debt. Secret deals and confidential transactions at citizens expense is no substitute for transparency and good governance. It is the taxpayers who will pay the bill.

I hope all works out for everyone involved in the Google deal. Just remember politicians and appointed officials of Alabama, Jackson County and local municipalities, you work for us the people, not a corporation, you might want to think about giving citizens an update.

See the update at the top.of the page.

Local Delegation Visits Google Data Center in Lenoir. N.C --Spot on for Blogspot!

Face Book photo, Fair Use Rights for non-profit news reporting. (Photo by Patricia Potter Combs Face Book post & Dr David Campbell) Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter (left front) and Jackson County EDA Chair Dr. David Campbell (2nd on right) travel to Lenoir, N.C to visit Google Data Center in Lenoir, N.C. If someone could identify all the folks on the flight it would be appreciated.

Jackson County EDA 

Familiar Faces from Jackson County

Jackson County Alabama EDA (EDA photo, Fair Use for non-profit news reporting Sep 24, 2015.)

"Google and the community leaders of Lenior, North Carolina welcomed many of Jackson County's leaders to offer valuable information about what Google will bring to the community and how to prepare for the data center's new location to our area. We appreciate their insight and hospitality!"

https://www.facebook.com/jacksoncountyeda

Dr Campbell's comments on Face Book, per request, thank you Dr, Campbell: "A group of about 15 local leaders and TVA economic developers visited Caldwell County, N.C. to assess how a Google Data Center has affected the economy, workforce, and educational institutions of that area, Garry. The group met with local elected officials, the community college president, economic developers, local school board officials, other educators, Google officials, and other leaders in order to get information and advice on planning for the Google Data Center in Jackson County. Members of the group will be making presentations about the trip to various organizations and local officials to help assure that Google's Data Center in Jackson County will bring about the maximum positive benefits for our citizens."

-Google's Contribution to the Lenoir, N.C. Area-

Lenoir Data Center

In the community

At Google, we’re committed to playing a positive role in each of the communities in which we operate around the world. Through grant-making and local initiatives, we're working to help businesses, schools, and nonprofits thrive. We're always seeking opportunities for Googlers to share their time and expertise with the local community. Here's a sample of what we're doing in the area.

Google's community contributions by the numbers:

$1.2 billion: Our long-term investment in the Lenoir data center facility.
$3.6 million: Total charitable giving dollars we've donated to nonprofits and schools in North Carolina since 2009.
$1.2 million: Our investment in the waste-processing system funded in collaboration wtih Duke University and Duke Energy.
$110,000: Google WiFi grant awarded to the City of Lenoir to help implement a free downtown WiFi network.  For more info go to: http://www.google.com/about/datacenters/inside/locations/lenoir/community-outreach.html

Google story by Heather Garner of the Clarion, July 21, 2015:  "Approximately a year ago when the Jackson County Commission learned that TVA could potentially shut down Widows Creek, Commissioners immediately began looking for solutions. Their first step was to set a series of meetings with Bill Johnson, President and CEO of TVA. Initially, Commissioners requested that TVA allow Jackson County to use to land for potential industry. When it was discovered that Google was looking, TVA took initiative and contacted them regarding their Widows Creek plant. Google met with TVA and the planning began. A joint effort between TVA, Google and the Jackson County Commission, led to a huge announcement last week. Google along with Governor Robert Bentley, joined Jackson County and TVA officials to announce that Google will be locating a $600 million data center at the TVA Widows Creek plant in Stevenson. Construction will begin in 2016 and will be the first in the United States since 2007. According to Google they will use the existing infrastructure at the plant, currently in its final phase of shut down. Google has acquired a lifetime lease for approximately 369 acres of the TVA property. The center, which will house the servers used for every Google product, will be run off of renewable energy and will employ up to 100 people." http://www.theclarion.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9353:google-data-center-coming-to-jackson-county&catid=42:clarion-rotation-stories&Itemid=142

Google Story by Wes Mayberry of the Daily Sentinel, June 26, 2015: “Selecting the Widows Creek site to build our newest data center came after an extensive search,” Google Director of Operations Gary Demasi, picture below, said when the announcement for this project was made. “The idea of re-purposing a former coal generating site and powering our new facility with renewable energy, especially reliable, affordable energy that we can count on 24/7 with the existing infrastructure in place, was attractive.” http://thedailysentinel.com/feature_story/article_aa7eb456-1c4b-11e5-bd1f-b39a1408974a.html

Google's Director of Operations Gary Demassi, Fair-use photo Linked-In for non-profit news reporting. 

Google's Story on Google's Blogspot 

(That's right, blogspot is spot on!)

A power plant for the Internet: our newest data center in Alabama

June 24, 2015 - Every time you check your Gmail, search on Google for a nearby restaurant, or watch a YouTube video, a server whirs to life in one of our data centers. Data centers are the engines of the Internet, bringing the power of the web to millions of people around the world. And as millions more people come online, our data centers are growing, too.

We’ve recently expanded our data centers in Iowa, Georgia, Singapore and Belgium. And today we’re announcing a new data center in Alabama—our 14th site globally. Read more -  http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/a-power-plant-for-internet-our-newest.html

Greetings from the Irish Rose Bed & Breakfast, Lenoir N.C.

Jackson County Commission Regular Session and Economic Development Authority Presentation by CEO Dus Rogers March 23, 2015

South Side of Jackson County Courthouse, photo by G.Morgan

Jackson County Commission on Face Book 

https://www.facebook.com/JacksonCountyCommission/photos_stream

AGENDA

Economic Development Authority Presentation Video, Part 1

Commission Meeting Part 2, New Business

Scottsboro, Alabama Jackson County Finances http://www.theclarion.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9113:commission-talks-cuts-&catid=42:clarion-rotation-stories&Itemid=142

Salaries of the Jackson County Commission, Elected Officials and Department Heads - From the Clarion's Heather Garner, thank you Clarion and Ms. Garner.

County Engineer/Public Works Director Philip Widner at $157,570...
County Commission Chairman $69,565
Each County Commissioner $33,347
Probate Judge $99,448
Revenue Commissioner $90,777
Sheriff $77,680
County Administrator $70,000
Personnel /Human Resources Director $62,004
Solid Waste Director $45,884
Emergency Management Agency director $45,822
Solid Waste Director $45,884
County Park Director $41,204

Judges and Court Clerks salary are not listed.

Jackson County Commission Work Session, December 16, 2013

 

Jackson County Commission Work Session featuring a briefing by Dus Rogers, CEO Jackson County EDA in this session.

 

AGENDA

 

VIDEO

 

Jackson County Economic Development Board Meeting

 

Today was a meeting of the Jackson County Industrial Development Board and the Economic Development Authority.

The 2013 fiscal year EDA budget was approved for $458,000. Up from $434,000 from the previous fiscal years budget. A 4% employee raise was approved, 3% cost of living increase and 1% merit increase. Marketing cost increases and legal fees have been added to the 2013 budget. 

 

Next meeting will be Oct. 30, 2012 at 3:30 PM

 

IDB Agenda

 

EDA Agenda

 

Dynetics Meets the Citizens of Larkinsville or, A Classic Example of How Not to Sell a Product

WAAY TV VIDEO

http://www.waaytv.com/news/local/story/Tempers-flare-at-Dynetics-meeting/KefDvEF7EE-24zB2p1Y--A.cspx

WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL
Video pulled - WAFF story: http://www.waff.com/story/18839702/some-residents-unsure-about-dynetics-expanding-into-area

These are my observations and a story about citizens, government, a company and a communications process. A story about people and what they think of government; a story about a company, Dynetics, a good company which employs several citizens of Jackson County in Madison County.

A story about a government agency involvement in business incentives, the Economic Development Authority, EDA - a county agency. The EDA's mission in our government is to assist in the acquisition of jobs for the citizens of Jackson County and in so doing not to waste the citizens money. The EDA's mission is to represent the citizens of Jackson County, not the corporation who may be attempting to locate in Jackson County.

Under the laws of our state the EDA may acquire funds to assist in infrastructure improvements for a prospective business or corporation coming to Jackson County. The EDA may issue substantial tax abatements for the business or corporations benefit on behalf of the citizens of Jackson County.  In return for what may amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars, even millions of dollars,over 10 to 15 years, there must be a substantial return to the community offered by the perspective business or corporation.

Jackson County EDA

In our capitalistic government form, an Economic Development Authority will either support the citizens, business, special interests or themselves. The proof is in the pudding, so to speak. Jackson County has not shown growth since the aluminum mill closed on Goose Pond Island. The effectiveness of the EDA and the Chamber of Commerce is questionable. There is a duplication of effort between the Chamber of Commerce and the EDA, results have been lack luster.

In studying the history of Economic Development Organizations relationships with a given population and the economy of the population one must understand basic concepts of economic systems and their interaction with people, government structure and cost benefit analysis-short and long term.

Within our local system of economic development there is always a trade, citizen jobs for "corporate welfare give aways." There is a point in the economic trade offs EDA managers must evaluate the citizens potential gain. Just as the corporation has a bottom line so must the citizen's representatives in the acquisition of business.  The economic development authority must never sell the citizens short for the benefit either of the corporation, known or unknown special interests, or personal benefit. This is where the EDA Board must ask hard questions of its CEO and hold the CEO 100% accountable. If an EDA Board does not hold its executive accountable at all times for its staffs actions then the EDA is not representing the citizens interest.

"It is a great privilege and honor to support the war fighter," says the Chamber of Commerce and the EDA CEO. This old soldier says "hogwash," go sell that song and dance routine somewhere else, possibly at a convention for Defense Contractors. It is the EDA's role and the Chamber of Commerce's role (The Chamber of Commerce receives tax payer dollars.) to represent the citizens of Jackson County in the acquisition of jobs. Spending what amounts to a quarter of a million dollars on 4 jobs within the first 2 years, then the POSSIBILITY of a total of 6 more jobs-MAYBE, does not warrant the investment of a quarter of a million dollars for a "munitions testing range."  Job reality in this project: security(3), janitorial (2), maintenance(3) and administrative(1) will equate to 9 maybe 10 jobs max. Engineering expertise, the high paying jobs, are already employed by the corporation involved-Dynetics.

Dynetics stressed safety in their testing programs. They demonstrated, if the property is purchased, testing will be accomplished in the upper part of the Stone-Moody property, in the back of Pinhook hollow.

The interaction of the Jackson County EDA with citizens of Larkinsville is a case study of what not to do when asked hard questions about their role. When the citizens group approached the EDA the citizens were told by the EDA CEO, the EDA fully supports this project. There was no explanation as to a cost benefit analysis nor any conciliatory remarks given concerning the citizens points of view. There was an aire shown, "I'm the government authority, and I don't care what you think."  Very bad form and unprofessional on the part of the EDA. Although the EDA did allow the citizens to voice their concerns at July's monthly meeting.

Dynetics managers conducting the briefing failed to recognize Larkinsville citizens in the group meeting. Concerned citizens were told they could meet with us after the meeting.

I observed Dynetics managers and the citizens interaction during the public meeting Tuesday evening, July 24th. The session was an expose of what not to do if you are a corporation attempting to convince a community of why they should be accepting of an organization who will be testing munitions.

Dynetics managers discuss operations with Larkinsville residents after the group session. At times it was obvious that both Larkinsville residents and Dynetics managers became frustrated with each other.

Dynetics had Public Relations and Communications persons available, they did not utilize them in their formal presentations. Concerned citizens of Larkinsville were not recognized as people who had legitimate concerns. The interactions of the Vice President and Project Manager was less than professional and designed to diminish citizen group participation. Dynetics management involved, placed themselves into an unnecessary argumentative session which was improperly conducted. Dynetics management present demonstrated a lack of skill in the communications process of group interaction and facilitation.

I stayed until Dynetics personnel were packing up and asked many questions about what Dynetics intended to do with the property. It is obvious Dynetics intends on utilizing the property as a test bed for munitions and it is more than likely the property will be utilized for expanded munitions testing to include high explosive military ordinance.

If the property is purchased it will be impossible to determine if there will be any undesirable fuels, chemicals or waste products utilized or disposed on the site. Dynetics stating the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, ADEM, will inspect them does not hold weight. What will they inspect them for, ADEM does not have the money to provide basic water monitoring and Waste Discharge permitting within our state much less providing high level environmental monitoring of a test range. Dynetics did have an environmental contractor present but the contractor was not able to provide meaningful information.

The most positive aspect of the meeting for me was meeting the employees. The hard working everyday bread and butter employee of the company. The Jane and Joe employees of Dynetics have the capability to sell the public on the company in far greater positive terms than any of the Dynetics Executives present. I'm sure the managers and executives present are experts in their respective fields; experienced and learned communicators in dealing with a group of concerned citizens they are not. The Dynetics managers present did not fully utilize their expert staff present.

Story Links
WAAY TV link http://www.waaytv.com/news/local/story/Tempers-flare-at-Dynetics-meeting/KefDvEF7EE-24zB2p1Y--A.cspx

WAFF-TV links about Dynetics: http://www.waff.com/search?RecordNum=1&vendor=ez&qu=dynetics

Scottsboro's Dauily Sentinel links: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_0e7b7e94-d776-11e1-8766-0019bb2963f4.html

http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_7d601f04-d726-11e1-a98a-001a4bcf887a.html

When all is said and done concerning this issue a few facts stand out: 1) Dynetics has not purchased the property. The EDA appears, by their demonstrated actions, to be representing Dynetics. 2) Some Larkinsville residents are not supportive of the "test bed project," while other residents support the project. 3) Dynetics has great employees who are offered one of the best benefit packages available to employees in the United States. Dynetics takes care of their employees, a very positive aspect of the company, it is an employee owned corporation. Dynetics provides Information Technology support to both business and government in Jackson County. 3) Are the citizens investment into Dynetics worth the return in this "test bed project?" It is my opinion the EDA has not acted responsibly in this matter. 4) Dynetics did not conduct the session properly. They did not allow, nor moderate citizen participation in the group session. The citizens who do not support the project interupted the presentation, a professional moderator could have resolved the issue if the session had been designed to receive concerns and feedback from all citizens. Dynetics managers during the group session made an informative presentation which was interupted by the group of concerned citizens present. This lack of attention to detail on the part of the engineer managers concerning the informational session ignored standards of communication and group interactions, that is bothersome. 5) The Dynetics managers conducting the informational session did not utilize their communications and public relations staff in an appropriate manner.

Jackson County Economic Development Authority (EDA) Meeting

UPDATE July 20, 2012: The Jackson County EDA appears to have held a meeting prior to the regularly scheduled monthly meeting at noon on Tuesday, July 17, 2012. A quorum of the EDA were present for the meeting. The "pre-meeting" involved Spectra Energy officials. Spectra Energy has stated, via local press releases, they are considering plans to build a major gas line in the north part of the county. TVA has indicated interest in utilizing natural gas for a combined cycle gas plant to replace shut down coal fired power generators at the Widow's Creek Power Plant between Bridgeport and Stevenson, Alabama.

Deliberations under Alabama's Open Meetings law includes discussions or information which may influence members of the public body in their official actions or information or discussions which may come before the meeting at a later time. Alabama's Open Meetings Act may be found in the Code of Alabama Section 36-25A. An Open Meetings Manual for Alabama Public Officials and citizens may be found on the web at http://www.acca-online.org/oml/ag_open_meeting.pdf .

It was confirmed by EDA CEO Dus Rogers that Spectra Energy was present to met with the EDA to discuss issues prior to the regular scheduled meeting. The EDA approved an Executive session at 12:44 PM and was certified by the EDA's Attorney John Porter. Porter was not present at Tuesdays "pre-meeting." .

When I arrived at the regular scheduled meeting at approximately 11:50AM there were 3-4 Spectra Energy Officials departing the EDA. CEO Dus Rogers was contacted to confirm the officials departing were from Spectra Energy.

Jackson County EDA, South Broad Street, Scottsboro, Alabama. (photo from EDA's FaceBook page)

The EDA held its monthly meeting meeting today. Below is the agenda of the meeting. Click on Image for an expanded view. The EDA CEO hired local Attorney John Porter to serve as the EDA attorney.

Several important issues were brought forward. 1) Report on the Forever Wild Board meeting. It was stated 11,000ac were voted to be taken into the Forever Wild Program in Jackson County if the State of Alabama provides funding for the program. "al.com" article about the program: http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2012/06/forever_wild_gives_go-ahead_to.html 2)ADEM could lose authority to issue water permits due to funding cuts : "al.com"  article  http://blog.al.com/live/2012/06/adem_could_lose_authority_to_i.html  3) Treasurer was elected for the EDA, Bruce Purdy is the new Treasurer.

4) A group of 5 concerned citizens from Larkinsville expressed concern over the proposed Dynetics Test facility in Larkinsville, Al. on the 1500ac tract known as the Moody-Stone Property. Land owners adjacent to the proposed test facility stated in today's EDA meeting they do not want the facility to locate adjacent to their property. (photo by G. Morgan)

Expressed concerns: 1)The property owners concerns included chemicals used in rocket fuels to include testing of the rockets and fuel. 2) Karst Terrain and hydrology, fears were expressed concerning ground water and well water contamination.3) Noise pollution as a result of the test bed and decrease of owners property values. The bottom line, the surrounding land owners and Larkinsville citizens present do not want the test facility located near their homes.

EDA CEO Dus Rogers stated he was supportive of the project. Mr. Rogers also stated Dynetics will be holding a meeting with property owners in the near future.

The citizen group present presented a signed petition to the EDA Board from Larkinsville residents stating they do not want the facility located in Larkinsville, Al. There were a total of 124 signatures of citizens opposed to the Dynetics Test Facility.

A discussion ensued between one board member, Bruce Purdy, and EDA CEO-Dus Rogers about the number of employees which would be hired locally by Dynetics. There was differing information presented. Purdy stated that only one employee would be hired that he was aware-a receptionist. Rogers stated it was his understanding up to 15 employees may be hired locally. It was suggested this should not be discussed in the open meeting. The employment issue was discussed at last month's EDA meeting where it was stated that only 2-3 local citizens would be hired.

Previous articles on this blog concerning the issue involving the EDA and Dynetics: http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Dynetics

The EDA adjourned into an Executive Session at 12:44PM and was certified by Mr. Porter to discuss confidential information relating to incoming or potential incoming industry in Jackson County. The EDA monthly meeting began at 12:01PM.

Scottsboro Attorney John Porter serves as the Jackson County Commission, EDA and Jackson County School Board Attorney. (photo by G. Morgan)

Jackson County Commission Work Session, Larkinsville Citizens Express Concerns

Yesterday afternoon the Jackson County Commission held a work session. The hot topic: Dynetics, Test Bed proposed purchase. Several Larkinsville citizens and Scottsboro City Council Member Gary Speers expressed concern at yesterdays County Commission Work Session about the proposed Dynetic's test bed property purchase, story after the brief commission outline.

Items discussed: 1) County Park will need some cleaning up after the wind storm. The City of Scottsboro has agreed to help in the cleanup efforts, overtime will have to be paid by the county for Scottsboro's equipment operators. The commission will decide on this issue in Mondays regular meeting. 2) Discussion concerning speed limit change on County Rd. 331, speed limit to be 35, another item for Monday's agenda. 3) Garbage trucks are breaking down. Solid Waste personnel made a presentation that engine repairs will cost $15-27K on truck. 4) Contract discussion for housing municipal inmates when applicable. New contract will be voted on at Monday's meeting. 5) Joint Bid Discussion concerning regional debris cleanup due to storms. 6) Proclamation for the 100th Anniversary of Flatrock, Alabama will be voted on and presented at Mondays session. 7) Discussion concerning 3 Council of Aging Buses to be declared surplus and sold on govdeals.com. 8) Mapping and Appraisal Office conference discussion, AAAO Summer Conference. 9) Accounting Clerk vacancy discussion.

Larkinsville Citizens, the Jackson County Commission and the EMA Acting Director discuss the Flood Zone and how the proposed Dynetics test bed might impact the underground aquifer in the area. The area has many sink holes and a former Industrial Park project was cancelled due to the unstable geological structure of the Larkinsville area known as Karst Terrain. Karst topography explained:

 Karst Topography - USGS

 Larkinsville Citizens express concern about proposed test bed at the Stones Cove advertised property.
Within the last couple of months Dynetics Corporation of Huntsville, Al. has expressed considerable interest in the "Stones Cove Property" in Larkinsville, Alabama  http://www.outdoorinvestment.com/land-for-sale/Stone-Cove.html . Stories indicate the property will be utilized as a test bed. Previous story on this blog about the issue: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2012/06/jackson-county-eda-meeting-good-bad-and.html 

The EDA does not have an attorney on its staff to advise the EDA Board on this issue and has not had an attorney for several years according to its CEO Dus Rogers. .

 The EDA and Chamber of Commerce are touting the proposed deal as an "Absolute Honor," making claims of patriotism to have such a test facility. However, it is reported the proposed "patriotic deal"  would bring very few jobs to Jackson County, "possibly 2-3." The "absolute honor" propaganda appears to be a tactic to convince the current land owners to sell.under their advertised asking price of $3.9 million for the 1500ac property called "Stone's Cove." Huntsville Times article: http://blog.al.com/huntsville-times-business/2012/06/dynetics_plans_for_test_facili.html

Surrounding land owners say hold it, not so fast. Stating concerns about Karst Terrain, and possible damage to the underground aquifer. Alabama Water program notice about Karst Terrain and the dangers of pollution. http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/faq/faq_results.php3?rowid=3711

All hands point to the Jackson County Flood Plain Map. County Commissioners inquired of the County Attorney John Porter, "can we make determinations concerning usage of proposed land located in a flood plain?" "Yes," was Mr. Porters reply. The commissioners agreed to place an item on Mondays agenda which will formally request a usage statement of the property which is located in a "Flood Plain." Daily Sentinel article: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_3403553e-c7c6-11e1-82b6-001a4bcf887a.html

Scottsboro City Council Member Gary Speers spoke of concerns about a historical cemetery on the property. It has been reported there are possible slave burials and early 19th century burials on the Stones Cove property. Topo map of Pinhook Cemetery  http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lon=-86.12&lat=34.7039