Truck Stop Planned For Jackson County Could Bring 35 Jobs

A $7 million development could be bringing jobs and revenue to Jackson County.  It’s a Love’s Truck Stop, and it’s going in at the Southeast corner of the Jackson County intersection of 231 and I-10.  Engineers said Wednesday it would bring 35 jobs to the surrounding area. 

“Anytime you can add jobs in the economic climate we’re in—it’s important,” said Jackson County Commission Chairman Jeremy Branch.

“It’s significant.”

Branch said the revenue it would bring from 23 fueling stations would also help.  That’s because the Jackson County road department is funded by various gas taxes, to the tune of about $4.2 million a year.  $2.2 million of that total goes toward paving Jackson County’s dirt roads.  That’s why officials said the new 15 acre development could be a big boost to road department revenues.

So officials are happy, but how about residents? The truck stop will be going up in a loosely-populated area.  One nearby couple supported the construction, but it will be in the front yard of Tamara Rabenelle.  She said she wasn’t pleased when she heard about it. 

“It would interfere with my privacy,” Rabenelle said.

“That’s one of the reasons I bought this house, I love this house but I would actually consider selling if they build this.”

But Rabenelle said the development could have a positive impact.

“We do need jobs around here that’s for sure, and this little town needs more restaurants. We don’t have many choices as you can see down the street there.”

Construction will start in February 2011, with a tentative completion by April 2012.