Bay County to Redevelop Former WestRock Paper Mill Site

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Bay County officials clarified that it is evaluating the possibilities for a potential purchase of a property where WestRock had once operated a paper mill. The County seeks to explore potential opportunities for developing the property again.

The mill at 1 S. Everitt Ave. blew its whistle for the final time last Thursday, marking the end of its 92-year operations. The initial announcement about the closure of the mill was made in early April this year. At that time, the company had announced that the mill will cease operations in the beginning of June 2022, thereby impacting 450 people.

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According to County Manager Bob Majka, an exclusivity agreement was executed with WestRock in connection with the paper mill towards the end of May. The authorization of Chairman Robert Carroll is being sought. A final decision will be arrived at only after completion of appraisals and environmental assessments and only upon confirmation of any reward or risk for the community and the County in owning the property.

As per the deal, WestRock will not market the property to anyone else for a 30-day interval up to 180 days. The County officials will also have an option to seek out additional time.

The contract is expected to give more opportunities to around 450 employees who have been affected by the closure of the paper mill.