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Coal mine benefits community mightily

While much of the discussion regarding the GCC Coal Mine in Hesperus has been about the adverse effect of truck traffic, I would like to take a moment to let the public know why the mine is so important for our economy and quality of life.

GCC Energy supplies coal to cement kilns throughout the Southwest, and locally to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The mine employs 140 people, 50 of whom have been added in the past five years. The wages these employees earn is substantial: well above the county average and high enough that many of their employees can afford to buy homes here even at today’s prices. Through its contracts and employee spending, GCC also helps employ 400 additional people in La Plata and Montezuma counties. In fact, more than $36 million in wages are paid as a result of GCC’s operations. Almost $150 million of the economy of Southwest Colorado is a result of GCC’s operations.

The mine also pays $400,000 per year in taxes to La Plata County. Another $400,000 in taxes is collected each year as employees spend money and purchase homes. In total, the mine’s operations provide $800,000 per year in La Plata County to help fund parks and open space, schools, police and fire departments, libraries and more.

GCC’s only option to ship its coal is trucks – either on County Road 120 or County Road 119. The only alternative to the current volume of truck traffic is to reduce the traffic, which would also reduce production at the mine, lay off people who may very well be our neighbors and reduce taxes the mine pays that help support our nationally renowned quality of life.

Entrepreneurs and corporations have choices where to invest their time and capital. When they choose our community, we all benefit from a healthier economy and a stronger tax base to support our quality of life. Please consider these benefits from GCC Energy, and other companies that seek to grow and invest here in La Plata County as well.

Roger Zalneraitis, La Plata County Economic Development Alliance

Durango



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