The 26 new jobs that could be created in three years if the Ohio Department of Development approves the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation’s "629 Grant" request is more good news for the county.

Sunday, June 24, 2001

The 26 new jobs that could be created in three years if the Ohio Department of Development approves the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation’s "629 Grant" request is more good news for the county.

The grant would allow the LEDC to build a road to The Point’s riverfront real estate, providing easier access to clients of the industrial park. If the grant is approved and the road installed, it would extend from County Road 1 to the Ohio River.

Though there have been no commitments from businesses to build at The Point yet, county officials say negotiations with several possible clients are ongoing.

Seeing jobs coming into Lawrence County would be a welcome change in the recent economic trend. An expansion project at the Liebert Corp. is expected to create many more jobs and two power companies have expressed interest in building power plants in Hamilton Township.

On top of that, if the now-vacant River Valley Health Systems building finds a new tenant, hundreds of jobs that were lost in January would be salvaged. The Lawrence County workforce has taken a hit in recent years, but with a little elbow grease and determination many people out of work may find themselves employed once again.