More than two dozen new jobs could surface in South Point soon, if a Lawrence Economic Development Corporation grant request comes through.

Friday, June 22, 2001

More than two dozen new jobs could surface in South Point soon, if a Lawrence Economic Development Corporation grant request comes through.

Commissioners signed a letter of support Thursday to Joseph Robertson, interim director of the Ohio Department of Development, for the LEDC’s "629 Grant" request.

"As you know, we’re moving forward with the development of the infrastructure of The Point," Roger Haley of the LEDC told commissioners.

Haley, manager of the industrial park in South Point, said the grant will be used for further development of the park’s infrastructure.

The 500-plus-acre park is part of the Ironton-Huntington, W.Va., Empowerment Zone and is being developed with the assistance of that grant, county and state participation.

This most recent grant request will make it possible for the LEDC to install a road to the park’s riverfront real estate, Haley said.

The road would go from County Road 1 to the river to provide access to clients in The Point. There are no clients committed to building at The Point yet, but several negotiations are continuing, county officials say.

Superior Marine will lease the riverfront real estate, then provide barge services, fleeting and stevedoring to the clients located in the park, the letter of support stated.

Once the road is complete and Superior Marine’s services are in place, the project is expected to create 26 new jobs within three years, Haley said.

By unanimous vote, commissioners supported the grant and will send the letter to the state.

Commissioners called it more good news for not only The Point but also employment in the county, which is already slated to receive boosts from a Liebert Inc. expansion and two new power plant projects in Hamilton Township.