A dream is getting closer to reality. Only one more appointment needs to be made, then the county’s new Transportation Improvement District can be up and running.

At its Tuesday meeting Lawrence County Commissioners received a letter from William Batchelder, Ohio Speaker of the House, confirming the appointment of State Rep. John Carey to the TID.

“Next is an appointment from (Senate) President (Tom) Niehaus and once that happens we will have our first meeting and form our bylaws,” County Engineer Doug Cade told the commissioners.

A few months ago, the commissioners approved the creation of a local TID making it the 10th in the state.

A TID is comparable to a port authority and is responsible for planning and financing transportation projects. It can accelerate construction projects because the TID can enter into agreements with entities like the Ohio Department of Transportation that will provide future funding for a project. With the assurance that there is money available, a TID can go ahead and finance the project and get construction under way knowing it will be reimbursed for those costs.

The commissioners already approved a five-member panel that will oversee the district made up of Commission President Les Boggs, Cade, County Auditor Jason Stephens, Union Township Trustee Terry Porter and Lawrence Economic and Development Director Bill Dingus.

There are also two non-voting members from the state legislature on the board. Carey’s appointment takes care of the House’s obligation.

Now it is up to Niehaus to appoint someone from the Senate.