With a $2 million earmark expected through Congressman Bill Johnson’s office, the Port Authority Board members addressed the task of providing a recommendation for site development.
The 45-acre parcel in the west portion of the D.O. Hall Business Center is owned by the Community Industrial Association (CIA), who will have the final decision on how to develop the site into one large or several smaller building sites.
Grants, however, will funnel through the Port Authority, which will act in partnership with the CIA to accomplish the creation of a shovel-ready building pad or pads.
Small plots would be less costly because it would omit the need to disturb a stream and wetlands that impact the 45 acres. However, with leads from JobsOhio often exceeding 50 acres or more, one large 45-acre building plot might be the best choice.
That, however, comes with an additional cost of approximately $750,000 to mitigate the impact of the stream. The total cost of these site improvements will approach $4 million, so the added federal earmark funds are essential.
Port Authority Director Norm Blanchard acknowledged the initiative of Dr. Glenda Bumgarner, president of the Appalachian Partnership, for submitting Guernsey County as the ideal site in the Appalachian region for promoting the earmark. Additionally, Hannah Stillions, a community development specialist with OMEGA, has worked with the Port Authority to craft application materials necessary to access the various funding sources.
The board explored options for the possible use of the Brownfield Revitalization money, which has been made available to each county to clean up environmentally impacted areas.
The deadline for application for the funding has been extended to May 30. A grant of $1 million has been provided to each county. Sites are being evaluated for expenditure of these grant opportunities. Old gas stations, demolished building areas, or old landfills could be considered.
Spectrum is providing the office with weekly updates on its progress regarding construction of fiber optic cable well into the more remote areas of the county, though portions of Guernsey will still be without fiber high-speed internet.
Coverage of the area is determined in part by the customer demand, which exists in a specific area.
Port Authority bond counsel is continuing efforts to work with the Ohio Bridge bank affiliate to determine the best options for funding the company’s expansion plan.
Ohio Bridge is working on an ambitious development plan, which will allow the company to have a more efficient production operation and to remain competitive in the bridge building industry.
The family-owned business has a long history in Cambridge, and the expansion of its production capabilities will provide for an ever brighter future.
Finally, Board Treasurer Ed Wright reported all but one of the loans granted through the Port Authority Revolving Loan Fund are current. The fund provides low-cost loans to small business start ups or expansions.
At the present time, there are nine active loans that have created nearly 20 local jobs. Inquiries into the loan opportunities may be made by contacting the Port Authority office at 740-432-1881.