One of the main elements of a city realizing revitalization is economic development. For the city of Ironton, that next step has been taken with the passage of Resolution 16-08 that will seek to receive grant funding to help with the second phase of the Gateway Centre project on South Ninth Street.

These projects are essential if Ironton, and others throughout the county want to become a destination again.

If received, the grants through the competitive economic development block grant (CDBG) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) would help pave the way for a new restaurant and brewery in the Armory building that sits behind Frisch’s Big Boy and the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, the first two tenants in the Gateway Centre.

This not only provides another place for residents and visitors to dine while in Ironton, but the economic impact would be huge to the city through the creation of new jobs. The trickle-down effect is important as other businesses see development in areas and may take an interest in bringing their company to Lawrence County.

It is no secret that Lawrence County has long needed development, and hopefully we continue to see these types of things taking place to help our outlook toward the future.

In the end, making economic development a top priority will allow all of us to win.