The controversy continues in the Town of Texas in northeastern Marathon County.

Wisconsin Rapids Grain wants to build a grain shipping facility just yards from the Wisconsin River, but residents in that area say not in my backyard.

The company needs approval from the Town of Texas Board to create the railroad loading facility.

Tuesday night the town's planning commission struck down the company's request for a conditional use permit by a 5 to 1 vote.

More than 100 people showed up expressing their positions.

"What research that we've been privy to that is on the operation presents a very negative feeling," said Jack Crowley.

The 25-year Town of Texas resident says he's concerned about pollution to the pristine environment and the chance his river front home's value will plummet if the project continues.

But the president of the company wanting the facility doesn't see it that way.

"I think it's a good spot for it to be. There's quite a distance between the neighbors and the facility. I really do not see that there's going to be a great deal of environmental impact," said Doug Weinkauf.

He says, more importantly, the facility will allow railroad access opening a greater global market, and giving farmers a better price for their products.

The company seeks to construct two 130,000-bushel storage bins and to add 1,500 feet of railroad track on property between County W and the Wisconsin River near the Marathon and Lincoln County line.

The town board will consider the commission's recommendation and vote for themselves on June 9th.

If the measure fails, Wisconsin Rapids Grain will pursue other options.