County issues permits to Duke Energy
Jackson County planning director Linda Cable confirmed Tuesday (April 7) that her office had issued development permits to Duke Energy, allowing them to begin dredging operations behind the Dillsboro Dam.
The move came after commissioners Monday night (April 6) announced they would not appeal Superior Court Judge Laura Bridges’ March 23 order requiring the county to “immediately process and issue” permits the power company needs to begin dredging sediment behind the dam.
As for the commissioners’ ongoing litigation over the removal of the dam, which has been mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, county manager Ken Westmoreland said Monday the county learned “a couple of weeks ago” that the Washington, D.C., Ninth District circuit court is requiring Duke and the county to enter into mediation. That process will begin sometime in the coming months, Westmoreland said.
