Oregon

The rest of the state could take a lesson in economic development from the city of Lebanon, state Sen. Frank Morse (R-Albany) told more than 80 people gathered at an October chamber of commerce meeting. The Democrat Herald reports that he said the city’s positive attitude toward industrial development and streamlined permitting process are non-existent in many communities. “Time to market is a key to economic prosperity,” said Morse, former president of Morse Bros. sand and gravel company. He said he supports Gov. Kitzhaber’s concept of developing “regional solution centers” that include representatives from the Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Quality, and business development and housing and community services. He also stressed the state’s need for a rainy day fund and noted that the state’s Public Employees Retirement System will eventually make it difficult to keep state and school budgets on track.

Pennsylvania

Attorneys with Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) filed an appeal before the Environmental Hearing Board challenging the permit granted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) which allows New Hope Crushed Stone Quarry to expand. According to a press release from the organization, the appeal was filed on behalf of the Primrose Creek Watershed Association, as well as PennFuture. The chair of PennFuture’s legal staff said that the DEP had made a formal determination that Primrose Creek is impaired and that the quarry is the cause of the impairment. Therefore, he claimed the agency’s decision to allow quarry expansion is “arbitrary and capricious and contrary to the law.”

South Carolina

At Aggregates Manager’s press time, three Vulcan Materials operations — Lakeside Quarry, Anderson Quarry, and Liberty Quarry — were about to host “Rock On,” an event to benefit the Boys Home of the South. According to the Independent Mail, more than 40 vehicles participated in the event last year. All types of vehicles were to tour the three sites, with food, activities, and a car show at the Lakeside Quarry, where the tour was to end. Each vehicle registered in the ride provides a $25 WalMart gift card for one of the boys so he can purchase Christmas gifts.

Tennessee

Vandals did about $25,000 worth of damage to equipment at a quarry on Woodcliff Road in Putnam County. According to the Herald-Citizen, the perpetrators put sand and gravel into the engine oil and transmission of a track loader, causing the damage. The owners plan to install more gates to prevent further incidences.