A judge ruled in favor of Big River Steel Thursday in an appeal filed against the incoming mill by rival steel-maker, Nucor Corp. The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission will consider the ruling at its March 28 meeting,
Mississippi County Judge Randy Carney told the CN this is an "exciting time" for the county, saying the judgment effectively put an end to potential roadblocks that could have stopped Big River from coming to the area. Carney said in the ruling the judge "rejected Nucor on every point."
"This is really exciting -- a red-letter day for our city, for John Correnti and for our citizens, both present and future," Carney said. "We still support and will continue to support Nucor, but this is really big for our area. Big River Steel is going to happen. It really is an exciting time."
In January, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality lifted the construction stay placed on Big River after Nucor objected to the issuance of an air permit by the state Department of Environmental Quality.
Construction on the steel mill near Osceola remains on hold until at least June as developers line up financing, Big River Steel Chief Executive Officer John Correnti said Thursday. Once construction work begins, it will take about 22 months to complete the plant, he said.
"If the commission rules (in support of Moulton's decision), we feel we're on solid ground," Correnti said. "Not only would I feel we're on solid ground, but also our lenders and all our equity partners would. Nucor can do what Nucor wants to do. They can keep up this legal gymnastics, if you will, until the cows come home."
Nucor lead attorney David Taggart did not return a phone call seeking comment on the decision. But Taggart said during the four-day hearing last month that the decision would be appealed if the judge ruled in favor of Big River Steel.
Big River is projected to bring in at least 525 permanent jobs with an estimated average annual payroll of $40 million, and Carney, along with county economic developer Clif Chitwood, has said in recent months that the addition of Big River Steel to the county would help draw in other industry related jobs and companies.
cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com