PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — The Pike County Fiscal Court has approved an agreement with a private company to build and operate a proposed landfill in the Myra community.

During a special-called meeting on Jan. 29, the court voted to enter into a host community agreement with a subsidiary of USA Waste and Recycling, Inc. The vote followed an executive session lasting more than an hour. Judge-Executive Ray Jones and all three commissioners voted in favor.

The agreement outlines plans for a large-scale landfill on reclaimed mine land along Highway 610 West. County leaders say the partnership could secure waste capacity for at least 20 years, create an estimated 50 permanent jobs and more than 100 construction jobs, and save the county around $4 million annually in disposal costs.

However, some community members have raised concerns about the project’s potential impact, including possible odors, pollution, and runoff. One commissioner, Clinard “Bubby” Adkins of District 2, later said he regretted his vote after hearing public feedback.

State regulators have not yet received formal construction or operation plans for the proposed facility.