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OPINION
$1.8 Million Industry Considering Move
to Area
By Phil Yocom
A group of
disparate organizations sharing a common interest is seriously
considering opening a facility in either Sabine or San Augustine County
that can have a $1.8 million impact on the local economy.
The first
public hearing on the new industry was held in Hemphill on July 20 and
saw a large turnout with very, very few opposed to them locating in the
area.
The
industry is the ATV Trail Park proposed by a coalition of
conservationists, ATV enthusiasts, environmentalist and state and
federal government agencies.
The park
will benefit lodging and RV facilities, restaurants, gas stations,
retail stores and provide a glimpse to the visitor of what we have to
offer in the way of retirement.
Organizations as diverse as the Sierra Club and the Texas Motorized
Trails Coalition (TMTC) are working closely with the US Forest Service
and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in an attempt to make the
trail a reality.
Perhaps
Forest Ranger Eddie Taylor made the most telling statement about the
possibility of establishing a Park when he said, “The community has to
support it.” He said if the community does not support a park, then it
will not be built.
Another
remark by one of the conservationists said the epiphany came when the
interested parties understood they all wanted the same thing; to enjoy
nature, only in different ways.
The
proposed park will not be a bunch of loud beer drinking folks who want
to use the trail as a racetrack. It was emphasized over and over again
during the meeting the park will be family oriented and environmentally
friendly. The obvious giveaway to the PG rating operation of the park
is in the name; a “Park”, not a “race track”.
The TMTC,
who will likely run the park, “…has adopted the elements of success.”,
said TP&WD’s Steve Thompson of their operation of two other parks in
Texas, one in West Texas and the other outside of Gilmer, Texas which
has seen the park have a $1.8 million economic impact on the East Texas
city.
But, just
like anything else, the supporters of this potential economic shot in
the arm must make their views known to those in the decision making
process.
The most
certain way to kill the proposal is not the few people who oppose the
park based on their own self interest, but for people who are thinking,
“You know, that’s not a bad idea” not to step forward and let the powers
that be know you want the park built here.
It is easy
to do by simply clicking on
www.fs.fed.us/r8/texas
and submitting your positive comments by August 22, 2010.
The more,
the better.
It is what
it is: A chance to enhance the business climate in our community with
those ATV enthusiasts who will come to our community, leave their money,
go home happy, hopefully to return again and again.
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