U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt cautioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that a Pilgrim’s Pride rendering plant on airport property in Gadsden, Alabama, is not welcomed by his constituents in Gadsden and Etowah County
In a letter to Kate Howard, the FAA’s acting assistant administrator for government and industry affairs, Aderholt asked that the agency took public opinion into account before making any approvals at the federal level.
“Since I first learned of this project, it has come to my attention that literally thousands of residents of the county, along with numerous elected officials, have come out in opposition to the proposed plant due to various concerns such as: health, future economic development in the county, property values, safety at the North East Alabama Regional Airport, and various other issues if the proposed plant is approved and constructed on the property,” Aderholt wrote.
“While I have always believed that it is best if local business and political decisions are made at the local level without Washington telling local officials what is best for a local community, the FAA’s approval is required to move forward on this location, thus making it partly a federal decision. Therefore, cince this now is partly a federal issue, and the fact that an overwhelming number of my constituents have, with a combined voice, made it vocally clear that this facility is not in the best interests of the community’s present and future, I believe that the FAA should know all the facts before any decision is made at the federal level. This plant has become VERY controversial and potentially detrimental to the community.”
In a separate statement, Aderholt said he had previously been asked to request permits from the FAA, but now he thinks that would be a bad idea.
“Late last year, my office was informed of a new economic opportunity for Gadsden and Etowah County and was asked by the City of Gadsden to forward a letter to the FAA requesting a permit be granted for use of the airport property. At that time, neither my staff nor I were aware that there were any concerns with this proposal, or that in coming months it would generate such public outcry. But it has become abundantly clear this project has not gained, nor maintained, any level of support from the community. That’s why, in my opinion, the FAA should be very cautious in continuing the permit process for this facility,” said Aderholt.
Pilgrim’s has reportedly made an offer to purchase 88 acres of property at the Gadsden site for either $1,100,000 or enter a 30-year-lease for $55,000 a year. A second offer was made by a group of local business leaders known as Advance Etowah, which wants to acquire the land for $1,200,000 or enter a 30-year lease for $60,000 a year.
While in his letter, Aderholt didn’t mention Advance Etowah, he did write that he has “been informed that another industry has also contacted the local economic development authority with interest of locating to the airport, and it has received the support of the local community.
Aderholt, a Republican, represents Alabama’s fourth congressional district. He is serving in his 13th term in the House of Representatives.
