MOUNT VERNON — Should Knox County join the Mohican Basin Landowners Association to benefit from possible shale gas well drilling in the future? That’s the question the Knox County Commissioners need to answer by the beginning of December, when the MBLA ends its membership drive and begins the process of inviting bids for drilling rights on member lands.
Dave Shafer, representing the MBLA, met with the commissioners Thursday afternoon to explain where the situation stands locally and to particularly suggest county participation with the fairgrounds and with land near Apple Valley. In both cases, large neighboring landowners (The Apple Valley Property Owners Association and Mount Vernon Academy) are considering membership in the association.
Jeff Harmon, representing the Apple Valley group, was at the meeting to hear what was being presented, as was John Curtis, representing the Knox County Fair Board. Curtis said the fair board is unanimously in favor of participation.