Jefferson County Tomorrow Retains Hurley Law Firm

Attorney Scott Hurley speaking to citizens at Jefferson County Tomorrow meeting - Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Attorney Scott Hurley speaking to citizens at Jefferson County Tomorrow meeting – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Citizens with Jefferson County Tomorrow met on Thursday evening to address concerns regarding the proposed Norfolk Southern Intermodal that is slotted for the New Market area. Though the concerned citizen’s group has been vocal in their opposition to the location of the proposed Intermodal, it was revealed in Thursday’s meeting that they have retained legal counsel to represent their interests. Attorney Scott Hurley will be spearheading the pursuit to stop the impact that the Intermodal could have on the largely agricultural area. Recently, the Jefferson County Tomorrow organization requested that the Public Service Committee, an arm of the County Commission, gather and provide accurate information on the timeline and specific plans for the proposed Intermodal. The group, which has been actively and vocally opposing the location of the proposed Intermodal for several years, has concerns regarding the potential costs to County taxpayers, should road closures be necessary. Firm numbers associated with the project have been sketchy, thus far, and outside funding sources have not been officially been named. Norfolk Southern has contended that the project is in a holding pattern, though they have secured property in the footprint of the proposed project. Jefferson County Tomorrow contends that the proposed Intermodal will have a strong negative impact on quality of life in the affected area. The proximity to the local elementary school, road closures that may cut off property owners, increased diesel traffic and health impact are some of their major areas of concern, should the project come to fruition. The Jefferson County Commission’s position has been that the project is outside of their jurisdiction, however Jefferson County Tomorrow contends that potential road closures fall to local government.

Source: K. Depew, News Director