Helping Our Economy Grow
Economic Development in Wood County
It’s been a very, very good year for economic development in Wood County. How good? Companies have committed to invest $750 million in new facilities and expansions, creating an estimated 700 new jobs.
A few projects the Wood County Economic Development Commission has supported include:
- A new First Solar Plant
- The expansion of the Walgreen’s Distribution facility
- A new NSG Glass North American (Pilkington)
- The expansion of Continental Plastics
- CSX/NorthPoint Development Logistics Park
Who Benefits?
- People looking for employment
- Local school districts
- Local communities with income tax (where applicable)
- County property taxes
- The District
What does this industrial growth mean for The District?
- Most fixed costs in our operations can be allocated to more users. Those with larger demands of use, such as non-residential high-volume users, pay more as they use more
- Less reliance on residential use
- Long-term usage potential
How did we support this developmental boom?
Simple, we planned for growth. For years, we’ve designed, built, and repaired the system to provide long-term reliable service for all users. Using loans and grants, we have a system with the capacity to serve more users without a lot of additional capital cost.
For example, we were the catalyst behind the extension of water & sewer services in Troy Township. Using 1/3 grant, 1/3 revenue bond, and 1/3 assessment formula, we built the system which now allows this development. There were no local tax dollars or any local incentives for us to build it. Thus, we had some risks at the time. However, the project helped to benefit a sewer system to Stony Ridge & Lemoyne at a much lower cost to them. Now others can benefit!
More growth on the way?
It’s hard to predict when it will occur, but it’s important to use to be prepared when it does! The District is committed to working with our partners in economic development and being involved as a local leader. We will continue to look for responsible ways to plan ahead to improve the quality of water & sewer services in the region.
Jerry Greiner, President
Northwestern Water & Sewer District