Dear Editor:

It was a great pleasure to read the closure of the MPR Supply Chain deal which has been in the works for a long time now. As with most deals like this, it has taken a great deal of time, effort and dedication of many people to make it happen-the end result being a boost to Belmont County’s local economy.

I commend Dave Humphreys and Rick Frio for their continued commitment to and faith in Belmont County being a great place to do business. This new venture will create new jobs and additional thanks go to Larry Merry of the Belmont County Port Authority for leading this project from its infancy to its end as he continues his efforts in setting the table for private investment in the county.

The Port Authority’s success, especially along the riverfront, is a true testament to Larry’s continued commitment to the county and its future. Thanks too needs to go to Sue Douglass of the CIC of Belmont County and its efforts to commit funding to this and other local projects.

County leaders would be very wise to continue full funding of both agencies to insure that projects like MPR remain in the forefront of Belmont County’s future.

Nothing short of full funding would be a disservice to Belmont County and its residents.

Mark A. Thomas

St.?Clairsville