Thursday, April 9, 2026
An undated aerial photo provided by the City of Brevard shows the Ecusta paper mill as it operated in Transylvania County. The mill closed in 2002 and most of the buildings associated with the paper plant have since been demolished and cleared from the property. File photo provided by the City of Brevard.
Jonathan Rich
BrevardBeagle.com
The Transylvania County Rural Development Authority (TCRDA) held its first meeting April 8th with an initial focus of exploring economic opportunities at the former Ecusta mill site in Brevard.
“I appreciate this opportunity to help build economic growth and prosperity for our community and all of western North Carolina,” said Brian Traylor after being sworn in as the inaugural chair of the TCRDA. “Brevard and Transylvania County are home to special people and it is critical that our community has the tools and voice to build a vibrant economic future from the local level. I’m grateful to the North Carolina General Assembly for creating this new board and look forward to working with people across Transylvania County to be good stewards of our community and build new opportunities for the future.”
The North Carolina General Assembly created the TCRDA in June of 2025 to allow local residents to support and advocate for economic growth in Transylvania County.
The Ecusta paper mill was built in 1939 and began operation the following year on the Davidson River site near Brevard. It became a major employer in Transylvania County and later changed ownership several times before closing in 2002. Public records estimate the property available to be redeveloped is at least 525 acres.
“The RDA’s purpose is to work with public and private sector parties to organize and unlock locally – managed economic development, with an unwavering focus on stewardship,” added Burton Hodges, Executive Director of the Transylvania Economic Alliance in a news release. “(The Ecusta Mill) property has a rich history in our community, and I believe a well-planned redevelopment of this property truly has the potential to enrich the lives of all residents of Transylvania County and offer something for everyone.”
The TCRDA is an apolitical, nonpartisan public body not affiliated with any existing unit of government in Transylvania County. By statute, board members are appointed by the Transylvania Economic Alliance. While the TCRDA does not currently receive or rely on county funding, it is a public board authorized under state law subject to the same laws that apply to local governments including those involving finances, ethics, and transparency.
Founding members of the TCRDA are Liz Dobbins-Smith, Alan Winchester, Jim Cruickshank, Dr. Deborah D’Anna, Parker Platt, Hannah Camenzind, Mark Weinstein, Joe Moore and Brian Traylor.
For more about TCRDA, visit transylvanianc.org/rural-development-authority.