• Community voices support and opposition during public meeting
The Lincoln County Commission approved a small eight acre gravel pit on County Road 121 in Bedford in a 2-0 vote. Commissioners Connelly and Shumway voted in favor, while Commissioner Bowers was absent for family matters. Flying Heart Gravel will operate an eight acre pit, which sits on a 15 acre parcel.
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The vote took place on Wednesday, June 3 during the regular Lincoln County Commission meeting. Toby Merritt, owner of the pit, told commissioners that he expects an average of 20 trucks per day, only during daytime hours. The pit will have a crusher and screener, but will not include a batch or asphalt plant. Merritt also stated he had met all requirements and requests including plans for road signage and dust guards.
Multiple members of the surrounding community attended the meeting, some attending in Kemmerer and some in Afton. A total of 11 public comments were given during the meeting with roughly half voicing support for the pit and the others in opposition. Those who asked the commissioners to not approve the pit voiced concerns regarding short notice of the project, truck traffic, safety, dust and noise. Those in favor of the project said they would rather see a locally owned gravel pit instead of another subdivision and supported the local economic impacts.
Following the public comment, Commissioner Mel Shumway thanked all those who voiced their opinions and noted the impact the decision would have as the commission attempts to balance private business and property rights. Following comments from Chairman Connelly regarding high demand for gravel due to development and road maintenance, Commissioner Shumway made a motion to approve the proposal. The motion was seconded by Connelly and approved 2-0.
Merritt said he is still waiting on final written approval of permits from the state before he begins operations, noting that some state permits required approval from the county commission before they could proceed.
County Road 121, also known as Bedford North Road, is located north of Bedford, connecting County Road 120 and 122.
