Port authority creation done

By MARK LAW

Staff writer

STEUBENVILLE - The Jefferson County commissioners Thursday approved the formation of a countywide port authority, two days after Steubenville City Council gave its OK.

A port authority is an economic development tool, capable of using eminent domain powers, issuing bonds and generating money through assessments for infrastructure for economic development projects.

The city had a port authority and council voted to abolish it to make room for the countywide port authority.

The county and city will each have four appointments to the port authority, with the county's Regional Planning Commission naming a member. There will be no elected officials on the port authority.

County Commissioner Thomas Graham said the port authority is a "major accomplishment" for the entire county. He said it will take time for the port authority to get going, but he believes it will be best for economic development throughout the county.

"It is an excellent step in the journey for the community to take on economic development," said county Commissioner David Maple.

He added all the prior organizations in the county pushing economic development were positive steps to improving the economic outlook for the county.

County Commissioner Tom Gentile said the creation of the countywide port authority has "been quite a task." with the Community Improvement Corp. and Progress Alliance all meeting to discuss the issue over time.

Continued here:
Port authority creation done