by Ben Nuelle LISTEN: Money Matters 7-26-16
Residents packed the Wright County Courtroom Monday morning to voice concerns about the new Prestage Pork Plant location.
Stan Watne is the Chairman of the Wright County Board of Supervisors.
?I couldn?t have been prouder of the folks. We had a great hearing. We were civil and respectful of one another. What I am most proud of is that we tried to answer all questions of opponents.?
Erica Blair with the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement says the number one concern is environmental issues.
?This area is already saturated with CAFOs and factory farms that pollute the water and the air. They have serious odor and fly issues in Wright County already affecting the quality of life there. That concern was brought up quite a bit.?
Earlier this month, Prestage Farms announced their $240-million-dollar pork plant would be built just south of Eagle Grove. According to the company news release, the pork plant will create more than 900 new full-time jobs. The lowest-paid workers would begin at more than $37,000 per year plus full benefits. Average wages at the plant are expected to be more than $47,000.
