ST. ALBANS, Vt. (AP) Hundreds of people in Franklin County said they want a new Wal-Mart store built in St. Albans.

And they held a rally Oct. 4 where they were urged to persuade opponents to drop their appeals and let construction begin.

Wal-Mart supporter Bob Hughes of St. Albans said gas costs too much for residents to make the drive to the Williston Wal-Mart.

Developer Jeff Davis said the 14 permits needed to begin construction have been issued, but six of the permits have been appealed by four groups.

The giant retailer hopes to build a 160,000-sq.-ft. store north of downtown St. Albans.

One opponent is the Northwest Citizens for Responsible Growth. Spokeswoman Sue Prent said they want a smaller store closer to downtown.

Today's top stories

North Causeway Bridge Offers Innovation, Congestion Relief for Fort Pierce, Fla., Motorists

Missouri's $284M Chester Bridge Under Construction

Mecalac Offers Telescopic Wheel Loader to Improve Stability, Mobility in Material Handling Applications

Chicago Bears Announce Plans for New Enclosed Stadium

Oshkosh Corporation to Acquire AUSA

Webuild Ready to Rebuild Collapsed Baltimore Bridge

Crews Complete Covington, Georgia Community Project

Alabama AGC Announces BUILDSouth Award Winners