Hutchens Construction plans an asphalt plant and quarry south of Seligman, Missouri near the Arkansas border.
Plans have been in the making for the plant since last year, when approximately 190 acres was purchased for the property.
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin this summer, according to Phil Hutchens, company president, speaking to the Cassville Democrat.
The Cassville-based company has four other asphalt plants in Monett, Berryville, Ark, Gravette, Ark. and Springdale, Ark, and wants to build a fifth to meet current customer needs and capitalize on future growth.
"We anticipate the future growth of Barry County to head a little south of Barry County, and Benton County to head a little north, and we think it's going to be a good place," Hutchens said.
"We feel like that location gives us a good place to help us take care of business that we have, and expect to have."
Cleta Stanley, treasurer for Seligman's Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber is happy to see the plant come in and hopes it will bring a few jobs to the area. "I'm always glad to see anything come this way," Stanley said. "
Hutchens does a lot for people. They're good people." The company is also making plans to build a rock quarry on the same property, which is not expected to begin construction for another three to four years, Hutchens said.
Due to the nature of that project, which involves land reclamation, a public meeting was held at Seligman's community center in February to invite area residents to ask questions and share concerns, some of which included noise and pollution. [There was] concern about existing water springs and wells and things like that," Hutchens said.
"We've applied for a permit [for the quarry] that requires public notice, and if there are any questions from the public, they can request a pubic meeting to have questions answered. The Department of Natural Resources sets it up."
Hutchens said of the three or four residents who attended, valid questions were asked and a good dialogue transpired. "I think we answered most of the questions to their satisfaction," he said.
