ELIZABETHTOWN — County commissioners and economic development officials in Bladen County huddled in closed quarters Monday night.
No action was taken but the session was in two parts: one with Sheriff Jim McVicker and two members of the Sheriff’s Office, the other with Chuck Heustess, the county’s director of Economic Development. It is not known if there was a correlation or multiple topics during the 40-plus minutes.
For now, there’s no announcement and no action was taken to close a regular meeting of nearly two hours. Commissioners did move forward on a request from Bladen Community College, saying a vote in two weeks would decide if the board stands ready with $1.5 million if needed.
The college has been pursuing a driver training facility at the old prison on U.S. 701 near White Lake. Land acquisition is not required, and an opportunity to fund the $6.5 million project is present through two grants: $5.2 million through federal Economic Development Administration disaster recovery funds, and $1.3 million through the Golden LEAF Foundation.
Neither is a guarantee. In presenting a proposal and making a request, college Vice President Sondra Guyton said the federal money requires a 20 percent match, which would be provided by the Golden LEAF money if it comes through.
The grant cycle of the latter, however, won’t render a decision until late winter or early spring 2020. The college is asking the county, as a backup plan, to resolve an agreement funding the $1.3 million if necessary.
“This can have the potential to make a great economic impact in Bladen County,” Guyton told the elected nine members.
Commissioners Ray Britt, Ashley Trivette and Daniel Dowless spoke in tones of endorsement. Board members Michael Cogdell, Arthur Bullock and Dr. Ophelia Munn-Goins had questions, with Cogdell hammering away the most. He concentrated on the long-term costs for maintenance and upkeep, staffing and oversight.
Bullock asked about return on investment, and Munn-Goins had questions about the metrics of those who go elsewhere now and how many will be served short-term and long-term should the facility be built.
Chairman Charles Ray Paterson and Vice Chairman David Gooden gave input, and asked questions, on other neighboring colleges having or starting similar training programs involving truck driving and public safety. Neither seemed opposed to giving support. Commissioner Russell Priest was silent throughout.
“There is going to be a great need for truck drivers,” Dowless said. “There’s 750 trucks a day entering and leaving Smithfield. There’s 1,200 a day running the roads in Bladen County.”
Added Peterson, “Rumor is Smithfield is getting ready to expand their warehousing.”
“They’re going to need trucks running from here to Wilmington,” Dowless said.
Trivette captured a broader view of the impact such a facility could have on the county economy.
“To other businesses who consider relocating here, this is good that we’re showing that we will stand behind them,” she said.
Cogdell tried to tap the brakes from the outset.
“Maybe if we as a commission could get together with stakeholders and discuss it at length and how it will develop before we finalize,” he said. “I do not have a clear understanding. Maybe we set up a workshop or something, and bring in the stakeholders. I’ve talked to other fellas in other counties and they’re doing the same projects.”
Britt, a college trustee, was in an opposite lane on a topic with more than a year of life and which was part of the commission’s February planning retreat.
“Anytime our county can benefit $5 million and we consider 20 percent, and may not have to give anything, that’s a no-brainer,” he said.
Guyton and Peterson agreed other colleges have or are considering moves. The only facility in the state like the preliminary plan here is operated by the State Highway Patrol near Garner. Robeson and Southeastern community colleges do not have similar training programs, but Sampson and Fayetteville do.
Guyton didn’t rush commissioners for a decision, but when asked about a potential need for urgency, she said that the disaster recovery funds are available first come, first served. When they’re gone that’s it, she told them.
“If I had everything I needed, I’d get it off tomorrow,” she said.
Peterson said commissioners will be asked to vote on the matter at the Oct. 21 meeting.