Columbus Co. Commission to consider International Paper incentives

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Columbus County leaders will consider incentives for a major employer.

At their meeting tonight, the county commissioner will vote whether to have a public hearing on incentives for International Paper. Economic Development Commission Director Gary Lanier is asking the commission to hold a meeting at their next meeting Oct. 5.

According to tonight’s agenda, the Economic Development Commission has already approved a plan commissioner have to approve that would pay International Paper nearly $3.5 million over five years. To get the incentives, International Paper would do “intensive upgrades to install a new production line and related equipment” at its plant in Riegelwood. Those investments are expected to total $128 million.

Back in March, International Paper announced plans to cut jobs while spending about $135 million to change the focus of its production.

The Columbus County Commission meets at 6:30 p.m.