(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

When state lawmakers created the YesWV Site Readiness program, the idea was to make sure an employer that wanted to build here would be able to find the perfect spot. This week, the Wood County Economic Development Authority got the ball rolling on two such properties with the help of grants from the program totaling $150,000.

The Athey property in Pettyville and the Polymer Alliance Zone Inc. Industrial Park in Davisville each received a boost in efforts to get engineering and architectural help, site studies and other site readiness projects completed so they are a few steps closer to being ready when a potential builder comes calling.

It is a testament to the diligence of Lindsey Piersol, executive director of the Wood County Economic Development Authority, as well as the degree to which the organization has worked to build relationships at the state level that BOTH sites proposed by Wood County were fully funded in this phase. (Each development authority was permitted to submit two sites for consideration.)

Though these initial steps still leave a long way to go before either property can be considered “shovel-ready,” they are an important part of Wood County’s and the state’s work to be proactive in attracting good employers that will help us expand and diversify our economy. We’ve got a workforce that can take on just about any challenge; our communities continue to work to improve our schools, healthcare options and quality of life; and with programs such as YesWV, potential employers will know we’ve got the backing of the state, too.

Here’s hoping the celebration of Tuesday’s grant announcement is just the start of the good news to come as officials at all levels make it perfectly clear: Wood County is ready.