Concerns about the potential construction of a truck stop west of Jamestown continue to grow after a zone change was approved by the Sweetwater County Commissioners last month.
During the commissioners’ meeting Tuesday, Clerk of District Court DonnaLee Bobak, a resident of Jamestown, told the commissioners the area’s residents were mostly unaware of interest in building a truck stop. She said she realizes the Jamestown-Rio Vista Water and Sewer District approved the proposal, but stated the board doesn’t represent the area’s residents. She said some residents she has spoken with are against construction at its proposed location.
Bobak said her concerns involve the sewage the truck stop would generate. Jamestown and the surrounding areas do not have access to sewer service, resulting in residents and businesses relying on septic tanks. Bobak believes a sewage smell could become a problem during the summer months, saying people living or traveling near the truck stop would smell it.
She is also concerned with the potential diesel odor coming from the truck stop, as well as the potential impact it could have on businesses in Green River.
Bobak would like a town hall meeting hosted for residents to discuss the issue and have their voices heard.
“We need to make an informed decision,” Bobak said.
Green River Mayor Pete Rust also has concerns about the proposal. Rust said he does not oppose the truck stop, he believes some issues need to be addressed before the project can move forward. Rust said one potential problem is the possibility of diesel being spilled into the river, which provides much of the county with drinking water. He also voiced concerns about traffic parking along Wyoming Highway 374 during a road closure. The highway is the main road going through the Jamestown area.
Commissioner Wally Johnson said additional permits are needed before the truck stop can be built, saying the issue is currently at the county’s planning and zoning department. As those permits are applied for, residents will have the opportunity to voice their support or opposition of the proposal.
The truck stop proposal was announced shortly after Jamestown-Rio Vista Water and Sewer District expanded water service through investments made on a new water tank and infrastructure. A zone change for the land was approved by the county commissioners in December, though opposition was voiced by a representative of the nearby Rolling Hills Country Club.
A truck stop isn’t a new idea for the Jamestown area. A similar proposal was made in the late 1980s.
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