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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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