After what has been years in the making, Ironton will once again offer a hotel for those who are visiting family or traveling through the region.

This week, the Lawrence County Port Authority signed deals with two private development companies, transferring the land to build the long- awaited Holiday Inn Express and Suites along with a Frisch’s Big Boy restaurant.

What is being dubbed the Ninth Street Gateway Development Project, this provides Ironton with another resource to draw people from out of town and actually stay within the city. In the past, visitors had to look elsewhere in the county or even in Ashland or Huntington to find lodging.

During the next several months, Ironton will be a hotbed of construction with the continued work on the new bridge across the Ohio River and these new projects going on along U.S. 52.

Many of these projects were ones that leaders and citizens had heard lots of talk about over the years and dreamed that they would someday come to fruition.

Numerous people and several entities should be commended for continuing to move forward with these projects, and soon we will all see the fruits of their labors.

This should not just be limited to those who are at the finish line, but extend to those who were there in the beginning and who are equally responsible.

All should be applauded for the vision and commitment to make these projects a reality.