GARYSBURG — The earth will soon be moving on Enviva’s proposed Northampton County wood pellet mill here.

Last week, Northampton County Economic Development Commission Director Gary Brown gave the Board of Commissioners an update on the project that will bring more than 60 jobs to the county.

“Enviva should be on site this week to begin their clearing activity,” Brown said.

He added work is ongoing on the grant/administration side and preliminary design/engineering is moving forward as well.

“It involves not only the construction of water and wastewater infrastructure in support of the project, but major improvements to State Road 1200 (Lebanon Church Road) and NC 46,” Brown said. “All of that is coming together in rather organized chaos.”

After a public hearing, the commissioners approved a resolution referencing the county’s intent to apply for a $930,000 Community Development Block Grant-Economic Development (CDBG-ED) for the Enviva Infrastructure Project. The board also authorized the application for a $620,000 Rural Center EI grant in a separate resolution.

Brown also proposed the adoption of a capital project ordinance establishing the funding appropriated for the infrastructure project.

“As noted in the proposed capital project ordinance CDBG-ED and Rural Center EI funding will be combined with $2,002,088 from the US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration and $31,000 in local funds to complete funding for the project,” he said.

The board also authorized the capital project ordinance along with Commission Chair James Hester, County Manager Wayne Jenkins, Finance Director Dot Vick and other staff to execute all documents as may be necessary to administer the project.

In other Enviva news, the board approved the selection of S.T Wooten Corporation of Wilson with their bid of $555,325.35 for the construction of the Enviva access road.

The board also approved a resolution for the North Carolina Department of Transportation Right-of-Way and utility easement for the Enviva property.