Watauga County Advances Plans for Local Meat Plant Project
Unanimous approval from Watauga County officials marks a significant milestone for a proposed beef and pork slaughter and processing plant. The project, situated on a county landfill site, aims to cater to the needs of local producers requiring closer facilities.
This recent decision by the Watauga County Board of Commissioners includes the tentative approval of two contracts, covering engineering services and water and sewer projects. The Boone Town Council’s approval to provide water and sewer services without annexation adds momentum to the initiative. While the county retains ownership of the plant, Watauga Butchery is currently the sole interested party in operating the facility.
Anticipated to be a USDA-inspected facility, the plant is poised to offer slaughter and processing services to livestock producers across six North Carolina counties. This move is expected to alleviate meat shortages in the region, providing a crucial resource for local agricultural sustainability.
Funding for the $4.2-million project is sourced from various local trusts, demonstrating community support for this venture that was initially proposed in 2020. The county board is set to evaluate a third contract concerning the construction of the plant at a later date. Although a specific opening date is yet to be announced, this development signals progress towards a more robust local meat processing infrastructure.
