Hundreds gathered. Dozens spoke their minds. To say that Assembly Bill 426 has drawn controversy is an understatement.
The bill seeks to open a large open pit iron mine in northern Wisconsin. The proposed mine will stretch about 22 miles across Iron County into Ashland County.
The State Assembly votes on the bill next week. Wednesday's public hearing in Hurley, Wisconsin allowed people to voice their opinions. This is the second public hearing, but the first was near Milwaukee, nowhere near the proposed mine site, and where few locals could comment.
"I see this as being simply a charade, essentially forced by the public outcry at not having a public hearing in this part of the country and that most of us have been here largely wasting our time, except for the opportunity to talk with one another," said Mr. T. O'Connor.
The main debate it seemed was "more jobs" versus "cleaner environment." Several men and women spoke on behalf of preserving beautiful terrain and good water quality. Other locals felt unheard when the bill was introduced and are concerned that the bill does not have the best interest of the community at heart.
"Who knows best what we need in our homelands is our people themselves," said Jerome Big John.
Ultimately it seems like no one opposes new jobs. This mine can provide many, but at what cost? The environmental concerns are the main argument against the bill.
Several, like Wayne Nasi, believe that this is too good of an opportunity to pass up, and that the environmental impact will be minimal.
"The DNR and the Corp of Engineers...once they approve it, you're not going to have pollution. It's going to be pretty fool proof to protect our area and still provide the jobs," said Wayne Nasi.
The mine has the potential to offer several thousand jobs over the next few decades, but only if the bill passes.
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