New York

A proposed asphalt plant is causing debate among residents in Gravesville, according to a report from WKTV.com. Material Sand and Gravel wants to locate the plant at its sand and gravel site. While some residents voiced concerns about a negative impact on health and the bucolic character of the hamlet, current Material Sand and Gravel employees marched in support of the plant and noted that it would bring jobs and economic growth to the area.

New York

Holcim (US) Inc. told state officials that it will end production at its plant in Catskill. The Business Review reports that the plant’s terminal will stay open to continue to ship products to customers. “The mothballing of Catskill is a direct result of continuing economic challenges in the region,” Holcim President and CEO Bernard Terver told the journal. He said the shutdown would proceed in a manner that kept its operating permits and equipment available for potential future use, but there is no timeline for reopening the facility. The company reports that 103 salaried and hourly positions will be eliminated as a result of the plant closure.

Ohio

A new TRIP report, “Future Mobility in Ohio: Meeting the State’s Need for Safe and Efficient Mobility,” shows that 9 percent of Ohio’s major roads are rated in poor condition and an additional 17 percent are in mediocre condition. In addition, 10 percent of the state’s bridges are structurally deficient and 14 percent are functionally obsolete. The research group estimates that Ohio roadways that lack some desirable safety features, have inadequate capacity to meet travel demands, or have poor pavement conditions cost the state’s drivers approximately $6.5 billion annually in the form of the financial cost of traffic crashes, additional vehicle operating costs due to driving on deteriorated roads, and time and fuel lost due to congestion-related delays. The full report is available at www.tripnet.org

South Carolina

Approximately 140 Sumter County residents signed a petition against a mine plan submitted by Bill Carter to the Sumter City-County Board of Zoning. According to The Item, Carter is seeking approval to mine 4.99 acres of his property along Frierson Road in Dalzell. Despite criticism from residents who voiced concerns about safety and property values, the mine was given unanimous approval by the Sumter City-County Board of Zoning Appeals. The path is now clear for the mine to be built.

Tennessee