On Thursday, Buc‑ee’s met with residents at the Frederick Turnage Municipal Building to discuss a planned travel center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The company presented details of the project, emphasizing the economic boost it expects to bring to the community.
Project scope and expected benefits
The proposed site would cover roughly 74,000 square feet and feature 120 fuel pumps. Buc‑ee’s estimates the development will create about 200 permanent jobs and generate more than $30 million in annual taxable sales for the city and surrounding area.
Local leaders voice support
David Farris, President and CEO of the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce, called the project a “game changer” for the region. He said the travel center will “completely transform” the area and bring it back to “days I think were better than its glory days,” highlighting the anticipated revitalization of local commerce.
Florence County Administrator Kevin Yokim, who has observed similar impacts at Buc‑ee’s locations in South Carolina, noted that the company has already delivered good‑paying jobs and a boost in sales‑tax revenue in Florence. He cautioned, however, that traffic congestion, especially during holiday periods, will be a key consideration for nearby residents.
Community response
Local resident and restaurant manager Shelia Deloach expressed optimism, noting that the influx of travelers could benefit existing businesses. “I think it would be good for our area. It will bring jobs and also, you know, you’ll have people come through this area. We get a lot of our business from people coming through,” she said.
Infrastructure coordination
Buc‑ee’s is working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and state lawmakers from Nash County to align the project with an existing highway improvement plan. The coordination aims to ensure that the travel center integrates smoothly with regional traffic flow and supports the broader transportation network.
Next steps
The company will continue to gather public input and refine its plans based on feedback from the meeting. Officials indicated that further discussions with the city council and planning commission will be scheduled to address zoning, traffic mitigation and any additional community concerns.
As the project moves forward, Rocky Mount residents can expect ongoing updates from both Buc‑ee’s and local government officials, ensuring transparency and community involvement throughout the development process.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
