ELK POINT, S.D. (KTIV) -
Much like the project itself, the news of Hyperion's decision not to renew land options for an oil refinery drew mixed reaction from residents in the region.
Those who backed the project are upset, those who didn't want it aren't sorry to see it go. More than anything else, the fact that Hyperion was hitting the pause button, came as a surprise.
In fact, we broke the news to Elk Point mayor, Isabel Trobaugh. She was shocked, and angry that Hyperion officials hadn't told her of the change in their plans.
Ultimately, she and other city leaders said they wanted to hear it from Hyperion themselves, before they made any comments. However, plenty of other people in town are talking.
"Probably wouldn't be all that good. I don't know if I'd want all the people around, maybe help the economy out, but probably a little bit more crime," said Scott Allenhughes, a Burbank land owner opposed to the project.
"It's disappointment because I think we need refineries and I think it would add a lot of high paying jobs to the communities," said David Pick, of Elk Point.
The whole region has spent years preparing for the growth Hyperion would bring.
In 2008, Trobaugh estimated it would cost the town three point three million dollars to replace their infrastructure. There were plans for new roads, houses, and schools.
the river, towns like Akron, Iowa were preparing too.
"From the beginning I was worried about the infrastructure, housing, the roads. We're just not set up for it," said Akron resident Donna Tripp.
One land owner we spoke with Monday night was literally brought to tears by the news. She and her husband opted out of the project a long time ago, but their neighbors did not. They were bracing for the fact that they would see that oil refinery right out their window one day.
Knowing that the project may not happen is a relief. While they are cautiously optimistic, they say the damage is already done. They say they've lost friends, and that the controversial project has divided their town, their church, and even some families.
