Mayor outlines $100M-plus 'Project Burn' and $60M Westervelt expansion

The mayor updated the council on several economic-development efforts and large proposals. "This is a $100,000,000 plus project," he said of 'Project Burn,' which he described as a wood-products investment with about 100 jobs tied to a county industrial-park site; the letter of intent was approved jointly with the county commission. He also said Westervelt is expanding in a project valued at about $60,000,000 that could add roughly 30–40 jobs.

The mayor said due diligence and a phase-1 environmental review were forthcoming and that the projects involve coordination with the county industrial development board and county commissioners. He expressed optimism and said he expected more detailed updates at upcoming meetings as paperwork and approvals progress.