By Alan McArthur
Landmark reporter

The developer behind the proposed Waldron Sand and Gravel pit says he will really focus on the project after about a month.

Developer Dave Penny said in a phone conversation that he has been focusing primarily on getting the first pit on the east side of Kansas City up and running. Penny said he has purchased about 1,400 acres of land in the river valley near Waldron for the plant.

"We have done the traffic study and are doing engineering studies for the levee district," said Penny. "Platte County is unusual because they require we do all of this stuff before we get the zoning."

The proposed development would cover a large portion of the 1,400 acres. As sand would be excavated on the property a lake would be created.

Penny has previously said he will donate portions of land not excavated for ball fields and wants to use the lake created for a rowing course.

"It would be one of only six or seven courses in the world," said Penny. "It could have a tremendous positive economic impact. Knoxville recently built one and it yielded $54 million to the community."

According to Penny, the sand excavation sites are needed because dredging along the Missouri and Kansas Rivers is being restricted due reduced water levels. Sand is a key component in the making of concrete for roads and construction projects.