What exactly is a port authority? Is it a place on the river? Where will they build it?

After the public has heard many of the political candidates talk about this concept during the campaigns, these are just a few of the questions that many people have asked about Ironton's and the county government's plans to establish one or more port authorities.

Contrary to what many people believe, a port authority is not tied to the river. It is simply an independent group of officials that is made up of a five-member board of directors who serve four-year terms and do not receive any salary.

Port authorities can conduct all types of commercial, industrial, residential and recreational development projects, including property development, creating housing opportunities, building marinas, railroad access, trucking terminals, warehouses, industrial buildings, piers and more.

The city wants this entity because it will provide more flexibility and tools for economic development. The primary purpose would be to negotiate the development of city-owned property. The port authority would be in charge of the leasing of the city's property and could negotiate prices, something the city is not allowed to do.

A port authority has more flexibility than a government entity. If the city tries to lease property to a tenant, it must put the property out to public bid and cannot negotiate a contract without going through an entity such as the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation or the CAO.

This is often a slow process that city officials say scares developers who want immediate commitments.

"The biggest asset of having a port authority is the city can use it as a tool to do things faster that the city can do," Economic Development Director Matt Ward said. "It is such an advantage because it plays by a different set of rules that makes it beneficial to attracting new business."

In July, City Council unanimously approved the creation of a port authority board to focus solely on Ironton so it would already be in place and not be affected by the county's plans to create one in the future.

The Lawrence Economic Development Corporation has been working with the Lawrence County Commission to develop a port authority for the entire county.

Ward said that LEDC Executive Director Bill Dingus has asked the city to hold off on their plans until the idea of a county-wide authority can be discussed.

Commission President George Patterson was encouraged to hear that the city may be interested in a county-wide authority. The county has not moved forward with their plans at this time and will wait to see what the city wants to do.

"I just think it will benefit the whole county," he said. "My opinion is that if we work together we can accomplish more that if we work separately.

Both mayoral candidates have said that the entity is the key to Ironton's future. The city council has agreed by calling it the "tool of the future for Ironton."