DOBSON — Chairman Craig Hunter and Vice Chair Paul Johnson voted against awarding incentive grants for businesses in unincorporated parts of the county because two of the applicants have opposed the planned Fibrowatt power plant development.

Still, the board granted approval on a 3-2 ballot.

In January, the Surry Board of Commissioners approved an initiative to provide grant opportunities to local businesses and entities, located within the unincorporated areas of Surry County, whose sources of income are dependent on visitor spending.

The tourism-based incentive grant program will provide matching grants of up to $5,000 that can be used for paid advertising, regional tourism memberships, new equipment or materials, business infrastructure, brochures and festival or special event planning.

The grant program is designed to assist businesses and entities in stimulating visitor spending end encouraging overnight stays in the tourism-sector of Surry County’s economy, according to Chris Knopf, Surry County’s assistant county manager for economic development and tourism.

Knopf told the board last night that the Surry County Tourism Development Authority, which is a county entity, voted to recommend approval of three grant applications.

The first is for Klondike Cabins for $5,000. The project is to construct a 30-foot by 60-foot reception shelter on-site to facilitate wedding receptions and other large group events. The total cost for the project is $46,792.

The second project was for $5,000 for North Carolina’s first Organic Vineyard/Carolina Heritage. The project will involve working capital for marketing such as creation of management of a Web site, signage for the winery and marketing materials for festivals and events. The total needed for the project is $31,705.

The third project for $544 is for the Rockford Preservation Society to purchase rack cards for distribution to market the Fresco in the Rockford Methodist Church.

Johnson took issued with the second item on the list saying that the vineyard earmarked for the grant was not the first organic vineyard in Surry County. He said he knew of another one in Surry County that started up many years ago, but has since been sold. Johnson said he believes that it is still an organic vineyard.

In referring to the protests of the vineyards owners during Fibrowatt talks over the past couple of months. Clyde and Patricia Colwell spoke out against Fibrowatt moving near their vineyard saying that it would make it harder for them to open as an organic vineyard.

Johnson said he was in favor of promoting tourism and economic development, but he couldn’t vote for the incentive grants program because the Colwell’s vineyard was included.

“I’m just afraid that their grapes are going to die,” Johnson said sarcastically.

Hunter agreed that he couldn’t give money for expansion to the same people who were fighting against growth in the county, .

“I have a problem giving some one money to someone who disrespects this board,” Hunter said.

Hunter thanked Knopf for his efforts.

The vote passed three to two, with Commissioner Jim Harrell Jr. making the motion. Bill Hamlin seconding the motion and Jimmy Miller also approved the motion.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.