Port Authority discusses ways to improve the economy

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- The Port Authority met this morning to continue finding ways to grow the economy in Muskingum County.

Port Authority Executive Director Matt Abbott said Muskingum County is a good place to do business because of the assets it has to offer. He said interstate 70 going through the county along with access to wastewater, fiber, gas, and electric are intangible for businesses to relocate here. Now the Authority is seeking out possible places for land development.

“We’re working on kind of the economic impacts of Muskingum County and what our future will be. We have identified multiple sites in our county to do some expansion for land development. So we’re working through that process. Completing the necessary studies to make a wise decision and an educated decision to move forward and provide ourselves with more sites to attract new companies here in Muskingum County.”

Abbott said businesses coming to Muskingum County would also help provide jobs to residents.

That’s something that is ultimately our goal is to bring jobs and it’s to bring, you know, the jobs that we’re identifying as some of the sectors that our marketing strategy is about. And what we’re identifying with that. So to bring jobs, to bring solid jobs, to our community is the ultimate goal.”

Abbott said it’s important for the county to invest in itself to help attract other investors to the area.