Port of St. Marys

After careful consideration of the available information regarding the proposed “Port of St. Marys Industrial & Logistics Center” (including the DRI application, response, and rezoning application), attending the public meetings and analyzing the statements made during those meetings, the Board of the St. Marys EarthKeepers has voted unanimously (with one member recusing himself) to oppose this project and the rezoning required to permit the creation of an industrial port on the site of the former Gilman Paper Company. 

While we applaud efforts to revitalize that property, it must be done in such a way as to safeguard the environment and quality-of-life of our citizens – and at this time there are far too many unanswered questions:

- Amount of truck traffic: unknown
- Amount of rail traffic: unknown
- Amount of barge traffic: unknown
- The nature of the industries: unknown (On December 15, Mr. Ragucci stated that he really had no idea what the uses might be but, if we only would approve the rezoning, he was confident that some uses would be found.)
- The ability of the City to retain the right of approval for such industries: unknown
- The environmental impacts: unknown – and no EIS will be performed.
- Mitigation plans re: toxic materials on the site: unknown

We urge all citizens to review the information offered at www.portofstmarysga.com and to attend all meetings.