CADIZ - The fruit on the money tree is ripe for the taking and Harrison County needs to begin preparing for the harvest.
Gov. Ted Strickland's Bipartisan Job Stimulus package took center stage when Ohio Sen. Jason Wilson (D-Columbiana) spoke to a roomful of residents Wednesday morning at the courthouse. The economic package makes major investments in workforce, infrastructure and new and emerging industries that will spur job creation throughout the state. Wilson highlighted the areas of $1.56 billion package stressing the importance it will play in the success of the county and surrounding areas.
Wilson said the proposal's investments of $1.57 billion, which represent approximately $700 million in less debt than the original proposal, will be funded through a combination of bond sales, existing revenue and other sources.
"It's the governor's goal to turn around Ohio's economic situation," Wilson said. "But that's like turning around a battleship."
About $920 million in the package will go to infrastructure. Of that amount, $400 million will support the Clean Ohio Fund. Another $120 million will be earmarked for the Historic Preservation Tax Credit and an additional $400 million goes to the Public Works Commission to be used for improving roads, water and broadband systems.
Biomedical and logistics will get $400 million of the total package while $250 million will be used for educating the state's workforce.
Wilson said the package would provide funding to create approximately 50,000 jobs and also allow the district to become more competitive in the workforce.
"Ohio needs every job it can get," Wilson said. "Harrison County needs every single job opportunity it can get. We all know that."
According to Wilson the tax credit monies could open up investments in historic structures and could also spur the development of historic districts in area communities.
He said investors and homeowners could benefit from the credit by determining if their homes are eligible to obtain the tax credits. He also suggested using the preservation department at Belmont Technical College for restoration of the homes.
Additionally, Wilson said the Ohio Public Works funding is now accessible for local communities because the state is divided into 11 areas for the program. Each district could obtain nearly $40 millions and that mean local communities could earn up to $5 million for projects for water, sewer and roads.
"Harrison County communities won't be competing against Columbus, Cleveland or Cincinnati for this money," Wilson said. "You will compete against Zanesville, Coshocton, Dover, Lisbon or Steubenville. They are a lot less intimidating than Columbus."
He also stressed that area leaders must build a team of people for support. "Once you are all in agreement on a project you are more likely to get funding," Wilson said. "This is critical."
Harrison County Engineer Robert Sterling added to the discussion saying that a joint Belmont-Harrison-Guernsey water project to aid rural areas is among the project's seeking funding through Public Works.
He said the Belmont County Port Authority has applied for an $80,000 collaboration grant to fund a feasibility study and noted there are at least eight separate entities supporting the project. Due to the collaboration no local share is required. The collaboration also ensures that there is no duplication of the project.
Wilson said including coal in the advanced energy portion of the agreement took "quite an effort" and he was proud that those supporting this form of energy prevailed.
"Coal is producing 88 percent of electricity in Ohio and 56 percent in the entire country," he said. "Wind and solar are great but they won't replace coal."
He also said local goal producing companies could benefit from the package.
Eastern Ohio's strong agricultural background is also an area that local leaders need to explore according to Wilson.
"Most people forget where their breakfast comes from," Wilson said. "Agricultural is probably the largest industry in eastern Ohio."
He said advancements in agricultural such as using cellulosic, or sugar, ethanol derived from switch grass could be an economic boon for the area. The proposed ethanol plant just south of Cadiz could easily be using switch grass instead of corn to produce the ethanol product.
In addition, he believes Ohio could produce latex by raising and harvesting Russian dandelions. Latex is currently only manufactured in Malaysia. He said local lands which have been strip-mined would be perfect for raising the dandelions which are used to produce latex.
Wilson said that the county could also benefit through logistics and distribution because it has access by rail, road and river.
"The Ohio River is just 'down the street,'" he said. "It is important to us. Because of its proximity, Harrison County could be an ideal location for trucking terminals and other businesses that serve the industry."
The last topic, but perhaps the most important according to Wilson, was education.
"The governor recognized the connection between high school and college. The state is still predominately high school educated," he said. "The problem is that many of the area's young people do continue their education but then leave after completing their degree.
"I'm a firm believer in apprentice and intern programs," he said. "It's important to show our young people that they can know their neighbors, raise their families and get a fair education here. We need to create opportunities for them."
Wilson said a pet project of his to upgrade local airports. He hopes to lengthen the Harrison and Barnesville airports' runway to 5,000 feet and enable them to handle larger aircrafts.
"This is important to area businesses," he said. "The business owners travel by air. It's quick and necessary for their businesses."
He then fielded questions from those in attendance with topics ranging from funding for taking action at the former Custer Hotel in Cadiz; the eligibility of local townships for obtaining funds; seeking financial support from the historic preservation funds for the county home; and providing an area for researching the plight of the honeybee.
In conclusion, Wilson encouraged local leaders to work with other leaders including those in neighboring counties.
"This package is a golden opportunity for all of us," he said. "I'm willing to go out and ask the questions. You need to provide me with your ideas. The time frame is now."
Sedgmer may be reached at ksedgmer@timesleaderonline.com
