Vance County’s Planning/Environmental Committee consisting of Commissioners Carolyn Faines, Committee Chair, Leo Kelly, Jr. and Gordon Wilder met yesterday in the administrative conference room to discuss the removal of vegetation growth on Hwy 39 North at Kerr Lake.

According to Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen, the vegetation at Hwy 39 has previously been maintained by the NCDOT. The agency sprayed the bridge last year; however, the vegetation is to a point of overgrowth where heavier machinery may be needed for proper removal.

In speaking with the DOT regarding the diminishing quality of vegetation removal around the area, McMillen said the agency cites “the lack of access to prison labor that they use to have.”

Kerr Lake cannot be seen through the vegetation overgrowth on Hwy 39

Commissioner Wilder raised concerns about the County taking on the responsibility of NC State road maintenance and setting a precedent that would be difficult to maintain, “Counties in this state do not do road maintenance. If we take on this responsibility, where does this stop?”

Commissioner Faines reminded the committee and those in attendance that this overgrowth has been an eyesore for those living around that area for some time and that the obstructed view of Kerr Lake could hurt the local economy. “The 39 area is considered the gateway to Vance County,” Faines said. “We have to consider that as well.”

Commissioner Kelly suggested the possibility of rallying a volunteer group in the community to help maintain the area and lessen the cost of hiring a contracted worker. Other Board members brought up issues of liability with private citizens engaging in that type of work and the more involved process of closing off a lane of traffic while work is in progress.

Bryan Yount, a concerned citizen, addressed the commissioners and stated that the same type of saplings that are overgrown on Hwy 39 are starting to grow at Nutbush. “If they aren’t sprayed now, the Board will be having the same discussion and looking at spending more money in five years,” Yount said. “An ounce of prevention can save you $20,000 later.”

Saplings at Nutbush Bridge are quickly growing and may block the view of Kerr Lake in a similar manner to the bridge on Hwy 39

The final recommendation was to take the matter before the full Board of Commissioners for further discussion. McMillen will be responsible for getting quotes in an amount not to exceed $20,000.

McMillen also presented a proposal to remove two additional trees on Young Street in front of the former Vance County Courthouse. The large tree that fell last week was severely damaged due to an internal fungal issue not visible from the outside.

“We are very fortunate that the tree did not cause property damage or injure someone,” said McMillen.

According to McMillen, it is suspected that two additional trees, one large and one small, may also be affected by the fungal disease and should be removed for safety purposes.

“We may not get so lucky [as to avoid injury] next time,” said Wilder.

The Committee agreed to take the matter before the full Board for further discussion. McMillen will get several quotes on the price of tree removal and stump grinding in an amount not to exceed $7,000.