Business Savvy

Locals receive some good news

JOBS COMING TO THE AREA! Okay, not many jobs, but even a dozen new jobs is a good thing – not to mention the tax money the two businesses will bring. With the additional tax money, local governments and schools can (hopefully) keep their current programs in place and pay the utilities and gas bill. If a new source of income is needed, it will probably come from increased taxes to you and me. AMP Ohio announced last week that a hydroelectric plant will be constructed along the Ohio River in Willow Island, just south of Belmont. Construction is scheduled to start later this year and continue until 1012. With the Cabot facility closing and Cytec shutting down part of it's operation, Pleasants County is facing a lose of local jobs and taxes. The AMP Ohio facility will not make a big impact on employment, but a little bit helps ease the burden. The facility will employ about 9 people full-time, but they expect to have over 400 construction workers on the project. Hopefully AMP hires local businesses, as much as possible. The Parkersburg Jet Center contract went into effect today - the business is expected to be operating in about 60 days and continue for the next 50 years. They are using a local contractor to renovate. While local people will probably not find many job openings at the Jet Center, especially in the early years, the tax money will help local schools and businesses pay bills.