LETTERS: STE. GENEVIEVE NEEDS TO SUPPORT CEMENT COMPANY

To the editor:

I am a business representative from the Carpenters District Council of Greater St. Louis, and I am looking forward to Holnam Cement Co.'s plant at Lee Island near Ste. Genevieve, Mo.

I am a lifelong resident of Ste. Genevieve County. I'm raising my children here, and I want them to enjoy the natural beauty of the area long into the future. I hope they will raise their families here and will be able to find meaningful employment.

There are several environmental groups protesting the construction of the Lee Island plant. I consider myself a conservationist. I want the county to preserve its natural resources. At the same time, the county needs growth to prosper and to keep our young people as residents.

The Lee Island project would generate 1,000 construction jobs and 200 permanent jobs. Holnam and its construction manager, CDK Contracting Co., have shown a real commitment to the communities in which they build with a definite concern for the environment. Their track record has been excellent.

Ste. Genevieve County has an opportunity to make a big economic move by welcoming Holnam as a business partner without damaging the natural beauty and resources we all love.

I believe in the integrity of Holnam and its construction manager. I believe the agencies set up to protect our environment will do just that. I strongly believe it's in the best interest of every member of the Ste. Genevieve community to back this project.

DALE ROTH

Ste. Genevieve, Mo.