Progress 2017 Edition I by Herald-Star

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK/ENERGY WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2017

PROGRESS I — SECTION A

Area savoring its crackers

Rendering by Alexander Morozov

Here is an artist’s rendering of the Royal Dutch Shell ethane cracker soon to be under construction at Monaca Pa. The plant will produce as an end product pellets of plastic feedstock, the building blocks for a large range of plastic products.

Plants a boon for local economy in many ways

From staff reports To the north of the SteubenvilleWeirton area, Royal Dutch Shell announced in June it was moving ahead with construction of a massive petrochemical complex at Monaca, Pa., including an ethane cracker and units to turn its output into polyethylene pellets, which then are used by plastics manufacturers to make countless other products. To the south of the SteubenvilleWeirton area, a decision is expected, possibly by the end of the first quarter, from PTTGC America moving forward on a nearly $6 billion ethane cracker to be built along the Ohio River in Belmont County. Economic development officials throughout the region say the crackers should be a boon for the local economy in many ways. Pat Ford and Marvin Six, the executives at the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, say the cracker in Monaca has been especially inviting to inquiries from overseas companies. “The thing that has changed for us is the interest in Hancock County. Now, the demand is so great for sites that they’re willing to overcome the logistical challenges of being in Hancock County, primarily that two-lane road (state

Route 2),” said Ford, the BDC executive director. “Now there is a need to go north, not so much a need to go south.” The Shell cracker, a multibilliondollar complex, is within 700 miles of 70 percent of the nation’s end users of its plastics feedstock, the firm said. Six, the assistant BDC director, said while there is much activity in constructing pipelines in the area, it’s to take the gas out of the local shale fields to the Gulf Coast for processing there. “The people who are using that are domestic companies that already have plants in the United States someplace else. Companies that we should be looking at are foreign companies,” Six said. “They don’t have a pipeline going to their facilities in a foreign country.” Indeed, Ford said inquiries are coming now from China and India and Japan, Canada and the Netherlands, all looking to possibly have an industrial presence in the region and to be close to the feedstock from the Monaca cracker. “It’s nice having that diverse a group,” he said. David Ruppersberger, president of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, an affiliate of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, said the area won’t see users

of chemicals and byproducts moving into the area. “What we know about the cracker is all of the ethane will be converted to ethylene and it shall be used on site,” he said. Ruppersberger said the PTT cracker discussions so far have said there will be some ethylene and other chemicals left from its processes to be further converted by other plants. He said any byproducts left at Shell’s Monaca facility likely would be shipped to plants in the Gulf Coast. Both crackers will take thousands of workers to build. At Monaca, Ruppersberger said the anticipation is for about 2,000 construction jobs on average for five years peaking at about 6,000 workers about midway through the construction. Prime contractor Bechtel is working with area trade unions to be sure workers are available or are being trained to be available when they’re needed. Construction of crackers takes welders, pipefitters, insulators, mechanical and environmental

engineers, carpenters, boilermakers and safety specialists. And, among the hundreds of high-paying jobs left when the crackers open will be petroleum engineers and chemical engineers, technicians and maintenance supervisors and crews, environmental engineers, health and safety workers and supervisors and electricians, with some carryover from the construction period. “From the day they go on through a continuous process over the next 40 years or so of their life cycle, these facilities will have parts taken out of production, retrofitted and upgraded, constantly. It will require a lot of the same skills that the construction did,” Ruppersberger said. PTT, a Thailand-based firm, announced in September 2015 that it would be investing $100 million in engineering design for the potential plant. In 2016, progress on the site included the removal of the former See CRACKERS Page 2A Á

352*5( 66 3U L GH 3XU SRVH 3U RVSHU L W \

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2017

Crackers Continued from Page 1A

R.E. Berger power plant in Shadyside. FirstEnergy tore down the plant smokestacks with a controlled implosion in July and progress has been made in clearing the site for the potential cracker. The Burger power plant site represents about a third of the total acreage for the cracker, anticipated to need about 500 acres. JobsOhio is supplying a $14 million grant to help with site remediation and clearing of the power plant and $3 million for remediation of the adjacent Ohio-West Virginia Excavating Co. property. While the construction of the cracker has been described numerous times by company and local officials as needing thousands of employees to build and hundreds to run once completed and operating, there is preparation needed across the region. A new Committee on Regional Industrial Development was formed in 2016 in Wheeling, and officials began discussing ways to deal with potential downsides of the massive project. Among issues discussed included how to apply tax laws to the construction project so that local communities are compensated with revenue that will help them to keep up with the influx of commerce and people associated with the cracker. Other issues discussed included a potential for strains on local schools if workers move in with families and strains on area rents during the project. During an August meeting, officials said increased payrolls in the local work force are a

plus, but there will be a need to establish training programs for the local workers. Multiple businesses could be built to complement the cracker. Local economic development officials say there will be firms that want to have plants close to the feedstock the facility will provide, largely for the manufacture of plastics and other chemicals. The committee is expected to offer a report on the potential cracker’s impact to Wheeling Council in the near future. The decision to proceed with construction is anticipated from PTT sometime in March. In terms of where the longterm operating employees will originate, Ruppersberger said Shell’s corporate culture is to avoid long commutes for its employees. “Beaver County (Pa.) will benefit the most and the counties proximate to it will certainly get some of that. But, Shell is very adamant about safety,” he said. While the Pittsburgh Regional Partnership helped identify 41,000 potential tradespeople with the skillsets Shell is demanding from the Southwestern Pennsylva-

nia region, the company emphasized it wants workers within an hour’s drive of the site. “They want their employees to have a good quality of life and to be safe and not to drive longer than an hour to get to and from work. See CRACKERS Page 3A Á

Casey Junkins

With the former R.E. Burger site now covered with snow and ready for new development, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will allow PTT Global Chemical to discharge wastewater into the Ohio River.

Andy Lloyd

The stack at the former FirstEnergy R.E. Burger plant in Dilles Bottom as seen in mid-demolition in late July from the West Virginia side of the Ohio River in Moundsville.

352*5( 66 3U L GH 3XU SRVH 3U RVSHU L W \

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2017

Crackers Continued from Page 2A

Casey Junkins

Approximately eight months ago, FirstEnergy’s R.E. Burger Plant stood prominently along the Ohio River. Today, the site has been cleared for development of the PTT Global Chemical America ethane cracker.

Casey Junkins

Contractors continued clearing the former R.E. Burger plant site in September for possible construction of the multi-billion-dollar PTT Global Chemical ethane cracker

That’s all part of the Shell culture worldwide,” Ruppersberger said. “So, expect people within one hour’s drive to have an advantage.” Still, Ruppersberger said, there is a net jobs boost because while the area’s work force is pulled to the crackers, someone will have to fill the jobs they already were doing in the communities where they live. The jobs boost at PTT could top 7,000 construction workers, according to Kyle Brown, president of the Upper Ohio Valley Building and Trades Construction Council. He said PTT has discussed with the unions the need for that many workers. “The project has been described as an anchor project. This is the project we need to revitalize Belmont County — to revitalize the Ohio Valley,” Brown said. The facility has received an OK from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency on water discharge permits to the Ohio River, while the air permits are pending. While the work is ongoing at the potential PTT site and Shell is building its cracker at Monaca, there already is an impact being felt among existing local manufacturers. Eagle Manufacturing in Wellsburg, which processes plastics for storage drums, safety cans and other products, in addition to its steel product lines, is anticipating an improvement in competitiveness. PTT says on its facts sheet on the project website that the site was chosen because of its location in the Marcellus and Utica shale region and the “tremendous access to major highway, rail, pipeline and port infrastructure that would increase efficiency while reducing the environmental and financial costs of transportation. That reduction of transportation costs would hold true for users of the plant’s products. Joe Eddy, president and CEO of Eagle, said in October, “For companies like mine that are plastics processors, (the cracker plants) should expand our regional manufacturing here significantly with that opportunity. The savings in shipping is significant. “Right now, every plastic processor in 65 percent of the nation is within 400 miles of this area — and they don’t have the same thing that I do. They pay for their freight to get their plastic resin out of central Canada or the Gulf Coast. There’s a cost there. We can be much more globally competitive with the crackers in the region.” Ruppersberger said while predictions of the area becoming a “Shale Valley” might be a bit much for him, there will be billions of pounds of plastic pellets being produced. That means there will need to be a logistics infrastructure to deal with it, including transloading and tri-modal transportation (road, rail and river) facilities near the plant, as well as the need for tank farms and storage facilities. “You folks will be in the epicenter for PTT and Monaca,” he said of the BrookeHancock-Jefferson county region. “If you’ve ever been to the Gulf Coast, the scale you will see down there, you can drive for 10 miles and see nothing but crackers and polyethylene plants. We are a long way from competing with that in terms of scale. While we don’t need to make this bigger than it really is, this certainly is the biggest opportunity this region has seen in generations,” Ruppersberger said.

352*5( 66

BDC executive director points to partnerships as key to success

3U L GH 3XU SRVH 3U RVSHU L W \

By PAUL GIANNAMORE Staff writer

son County Port Authority and the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning ComWhile the Business mission showed what Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle partnerships without borders can accomplish can point to many big with the awarding of a developments during $600,000 grant from the the past year, it all U.S. Environmental comes down to one Protection Agency that word: Partnerships. “There is no prosper- works across the OhioWest Virginia state line ity without partnerand the two federal ships. There is no success without collabora- EPA districts that line represents. tion. There are no Locally, it is more groundbreakings without community support. than even the first-ofits-kind federal effort. There are no grants “It is the culmination without regionalism,” of the leaders in our said Pat Ford, the BDC’s executive direc- area, of our collective boards to make the tor. “None of this hapdecision. It took politipens without our partcal guts. It took leadernerships.” The BDC, the Jeffer- ship for our collective

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2017

boards to make the decision that we will work together to revitalize the Ohio Valley,” Ford said. He and Evan Scurti, the Jefferson County Port Authority executive, will work together for at least the next three years to identify the most important sites to focus on for attracting investment into the region. William D’Alesio, chairman of the BDC board, said when the grant was awarded, “This effort demonstrates the strength our three counties and two states can have when we work together toward a common goal — jobs.”

FELLOWS INSURANCE AGENCY Our Family Serving Yours Since 1937

AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS LIFE • TRUCKS • FARM AUTO & HOME DISCOUNTS • SAFE DRIVER DISCOUNTS

CALL & COMPARE 283-3338 • 1-888-433-5569 Toll Free 568 COUNTY HWY 19, MINGO JUNCTION, OHIO 43938 • FAX: 740-598-3945

Ford and Assistant BDC Director Marvin Six noted 2016 saw significant partners to the BDC from out of state, including other economic development entities, as well as private entities reaching out for assistance, including James Markovitz, the new owner of the Williams Golf and Country Club, and Frank Six and his Haydall company, which is working to repurpose the former Newell Porcelain site. “It sets a paradigm for us to expand our ability to leverage state and federal money for private investment and Paul Giannamore to work with private Pat Ford, executive director of the Business Developentities to help them ment Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, explains plans leverage additional pubfor future use of the Brooke Glass site. lic money to attract additional income to $4.2 million a year. golf course. This will streams into our includes the removal of Markowitz said the region,” Ford said. lodge could be used as a an abandoned underwedding and banquet ground fuel storage Williams Golf and facility or as office tank. space for the club with “Our board felt that Country Club a pro shop or rooming Another sign of pub- we should assist the for overnight guests. country club and golf lic-private partnership course, to treat his (Mr. There also is the potenis the work being done tial of opening a public Markovitz’) business, to remediate the lodge restaurant to allow nonthat club, like we would at the Williams Country members access to treat any other Main Club. The BDC took ownership of the lodge Street business. It’s no enjoy the lodge and the different than any other food from the club’s in order to access fedbusiness. They employ executive chefs. eral funds to remove 48 people at that facilihazardous substances, Newell Porcelain ty,” Ford said. BDC including lead and data shows an economic The Newell Porcelain asbestos. impact of $2.5 million redevelopment is the The BDC is also from the Williams as it result of a private working Markowitz on is, from rounds of golf investor with help from the assessment and the public sector. remediation of petrole- to people eating there, Frank Six’s firm, um based substances on taxes paid and the food and services and supHaydall Redevelopment a small portion of the plies purchased from LLC, bought the former area vendors. porcelain factory in With the lodge and October. its potential, the ecoSix’s firm, Six Recynomic impact to our community could grow See BDC Page 5A Á

SERVICE \ʝɤ Fʋ ɚ

Associated Press

Executives from Italy’s Pietro Fiorentini listen as thenW.Va. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announces the plant’s plans to build in the Three Springs Business Park in 2013. The plant will be built in the coming months.

Gary’s Body Shop

127 West Warren St. Cadiz, OH 43907

(740) 942-2444 M-F 8am - 5pm Now Accepting All Major Credit Cards

Of Steubenville & Weirton

COUNT ON

FERGUSON TIRE Alignments • Brakes • Suspension Oil Changes • Tire Repair

304-748-5260

3550 Main Street #2, Weirton, WV 26062

Service after the sale counts!

Chamber Jefferson County

“The Original”

of Commerce

Busy “B” Mufflers Owner: Robert K. Shook & Sons

NO TUNNELS, NO SIDES, NO FEAR ITS YOUR CHOICE NOT YOUR PHYSICIANS CHOICE SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS 24 HOUR RESULTS 1/3 THE COST OF ANY AREA HOSPITALS LESS OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE COMPARED TO AREA HOSPITALS ACCEPTS ALL MAJOR INSURANCES AND OFFERS SELF PAY

700 Market Street | Steubenville, OH 43952

CONVENIENT PARKING

(740) 283-3564

2315 Sunset Boulevard #D Steubenville, Ohio 43952 740-266-7674 (SMRI) Toll Free: 877-674-7838 Fax: 740-266-7673

Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4 pm | Saturday 8:30 am to noon | Closed Sunday

www.busybmufflers.net

352*5( 66 3U L GH 3XU SRVH 3U RVSHU L W \

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2017

Contributed

Crews work on upgrading inside the former Wheeling Corrugating plant that now is host to multiple industrial tenants as the Beech Bottom Business Park.

A metal coil makes itws way through the Jupiter plant housed in the former Wheeling Corrugating plant that was repurposed into the Beech Bottom Business Park.

BDC Continued from Page 4A

cling of East Liverpool, had been involved in the 2012 cleanup of the TS&T pottery site in Chester. Six says he came away from that job with the idea that more could be done. “What I learned from the TS&T job was that you can turn an environmentally hazardous site into a clean, economically developed site by taking the right steps,” he said. Newell Porcelain is an 8-acre site with more than 300,000 square feet under roof. The first phase of environmental assessment has been done with Phase II, including soils analysis, to be completed this month. “With things coming, I just feel there’s a great opportunity to bring some sustainable jobs to this area,”

said Frank Six. “It’s all around us. We’ve just got to make it happen here, too.”

Major developments The former Taylor, Smith & Taylor pottery in Chester has a new name: Rock Springs Business Park. After five years of work, the BDC was able to start construction of a 30,000-square-foot, three-story building. There also are plans for an additional 70,000-square-foot structure on the site, which totals 8.5 acres. Ground was broken in June for the project under local general contractor Grae-Con. Plans also include the potential of a mixed-use office building closer to the Ohio River. The BDC obtained a $2 million

President Kyle Brown Vice President Scott Mazzulli Secretary Treasure Jim Conrad

loan from the West Virginia Economic Development Authority in November 2015 to allow the construction. The Rock Springs Business Park began as a community effort, with interested citizens forming a task force to explore the future of the site. BDC bought the site for $135,000 from its funds in 2011. In Follansbee, the BDC made its first major investment, with a $1.3 million EDA loan to the BDC and a Site Ready grant of $12,500 from the West Virginia Brownfield Assistance Center. The purchase included not just the 18.7 acres of the former Follansbee mill but also other sites totaling 59.37 acres. Brooke County Commissioner Jim Andreozzi, who also is a BDC execu-

tive board member, said at the time of the purchase announcement, “For over four years, the site has been vacant. Now, we’re planning for an end use that will have people working on the site again,” he said. Other new developments during 2016 include: ¯ Completion of the master plan for Brooke Hills Park leveraging a $50,000 park board investment for a feasibility study into a $1.2 million construction investment for a new swimming pool and small vacation cabins that will include full utilities, bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms and loft bedrooms, as well as development of disc and foot golf courses. See BDC Page 6A Á

352*5( 66 3U L GH 3XU SRVH 3U RVSHU L W \

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2017

BDC Continued from Page 5A

ÂŻ The ribbon cutting was held for Barneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bakery at the Three Springs Business Park in Weirton. The $1.6 million bakery project is on a 5.65-acre site and preserved 25 jobs and added 10 more. ÂŻ North American Industrial Services in the Three Springs Industrial Park involves the relocation of 36 jobs from Follansbee and the addition of 14 more. The $1.1 million investment was made possible from a land swap in the park, facilitated by BDC in 2010 to accommodate the expansion of Rue 21. Rue 21 itself saw, in recent years, a $9.3 million expansion that added $2.1 million to the annual payroll. Some 80 jobs that were preserved were expanded first to an additional 90 jobs and then 40 more with the addition of the fashion firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s e-commerce division. Rue 21 is home to 210 jobs in Weirton. ÂŻ Pietro Fiorentini announced a $9 million investment on 20 acres at the southern end of the Three Springs Business park. The city and state are spending about $850,000 to extend the business park road to service Fiorentini and North American Industrial as well as other potential tenants. Fiorentiniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s project was announced in 2014. The Italian firm makes various pressure regulation and other devices for the oil and gas industry. ÂŻ The

Brooke Glass restoration project has a completed site design and the work for demolition and remediation will go out for bids this spring. ÂŻ In Beech Bottom, a big local success story of public-private partnership is the former Wheeling Corrugating mill, now called the Beech Bottom Industrial Park. What would have been just an abandoned mill now has more than 80 people working on the site that includes $17 million in investments from the private sector and the public sector. Firms there include Precoat Metals, GEI LLC (environmental engineering), Pe-Ben USA (a pipeline firm), AllyOnsite (oilfield services), L&M Logistics (pilot cars), Jupiter Aluminum (a coating mill) and Pro Foam (polyurethane pipeline insulation). The Brooke Emergency Medical Service also stores vehicles on the site. Los Angeles-based Hackman Capital helped with public water and sewer upgrades, roofing, electrical upgrades and crane repair as well as renovations to an office and floor repairs. The partnership leveraged $522,500 in grants to remediate asbestos and remove a small area of contaminated soil in 2015 and is expecting a certificate of completion, or no further action, from the state DEP this year. The BDC has contributed to a reduction of unemployment in the two counties by more than half, from 13.5 percent in 2010 to 5.8 percent in 2016

Contributed

A new three-story building is being erected at the former TS&T pottery site at Chester, the centerpiece of the developing Rock Springs Business Park.

Contributed

The BDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purchase of the former Follansbee Steel site and other Berkman sites in Follansbee will allow for redevelopment of a number of acres.

SHOP BROOKE COUNTY

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE NOT just FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Our unique staff of Professional Remembrance Planners set us apart from all other funeral homes in the area. We are accomplished listeners who will help guide you in creating a Remembrance Gathering that captures the essence and personality of your loved one. We transform your ideas and thoughts into a perfectly themed and executed Remembrance Gathering designed expressly for your family. Our goal is to help you find joy in the way you choose to honor, remember and celebrate their wonderful life.

Chambers & James Funeral, Pets & Cremation Services

Wellsburg & Follansbee, WV 304-737-3551 â&#x20AC;˘ 304-527-1717

www.chambersandjames.com Eric L. Fithyan, FD - Owner/L.I.C.

Your Comfort System Specialists

Voted Best Heating & Air Conditioning For Three Consecutive Years

* 24 Hours Service on Residential & Commercial HVAC Systems * HVAC Design & Installation: Mitsubishi Ductless Systems, and Hot Water Tank & Heat Pump Installation * We Service All Brands *

:HÂˇOO PDNH VXUH \RXU V\VWHP LV UXQQLQJ HIIHFWLYHO\ DQG HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQWO\ Ask about our affordable maintenance contracts to keep your system running smoothly year after year!

Complete Heating & Cooling System Service Reasonable Rates All Work Guaranteed!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quality Service At An Affordable Priceâ&#x20AC;? HVAC Professionals 1813 Pennsylvania Ave., Weirton, WV

304-374-4156 â&#x20AC;˘ jaustinheatingcooling.com

Winter means getting cozy by the fire, snowfall, and checking a few projects off your list.

Aracich Heating & Cooling, Inc. is family owned and operated and has been providing honest and reliable service to the Tri-State Region of West Virginia for over 20 years.

Residential Heating, Air Conditioning & Ventilation Free Estimates Licensed & Insured

24 Hour Emergency Service

Aracich Heating & Cooling 627 Charles St. Wellsburg, WV 26070 304-737-0951 Aracich.com

Authorized Dealer For

Ask about mobile home Heating and Cooling Sales/Service/Installation Licensed & Bonded

Robert Scott Lumber Has You Covered â&#x20AC;˘ Kitchen â&#x20AC;˘ Doors â&#x20AC;˘ Lumber â&#x20AC;˘ Millwork Â&#x2021; 5RRĂ&#x20AC;QJ

Â&#x2021; )ORRULQJ â&#x20AC;˘ Paint â&#x20AC;˘ Hardware â&#x20AC;˘ Masonry Â&#x2021; 3OXPELQJ â&#x20AC;˘ Electric

Robert Scott Lumber

7KH &RUQHU RI &RPPHUFH DQG (LJWK 6W :HOOVEXUJ : 9

304-737-3581

+RXUV 0RQ )UL Â&#x2021; DP SP 6DW Â&#x2021; DP SP

352*5( 66 3U L GH 3XU SRVH 3U RVSHU L W \

ODOT continues work on several projects on state Route 7 WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2017

By MARK LAW Staff writer

STEUBENVILLE — The Ohio Department of Transportation is continuing work on $45 million in hillside excavations on state Route 7 and improving the access from state Route 7 to the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Lloyd MacAdam, ODOT District 11 deputy director, said work is continuing on two of three hillside projects on state Route 7 between Rush Run and north of Brilliant. The hillside above state Route 7 originally was excavated about 50 years ago when the road was widened to four lanes. MacAdam said the original excavation in areas began failing, causing rocks to fall on the highway. ODOT was able to secure emergency funding from the Federal Highway Administration for three large areas. The total cost for the three excavations is $68 million. The middle project was completed during the summer of 2015. It is located south of Brilliant. Beaver Excavating of Canton removed 2 million cubic yards of dirt and rock at a cost of $22 million. The south project in Rush Run, costing $16 million, is about 80 percent complete. MacAdam said Kokosing Construction Co. of Columbus has removed about 1 million cubic feet of dirt and rock down to about 15 feet above the highway. The contractor is working to remove the remaining rock and dirt. He said the highway will be rebuilt this spring and the road is expected to reopen in the summer. The third project, and the largest at $30 million, is located at the north end of Brilliant. That project is about two-thirds complete and involves removing 2.8 million cubic yards of dirt and rock. Cast & Baker of Canonsburg, Pa., the

“When it is all done, the traveling public won’t have to worry about rocks falling from the hillside. This was the only way we could stop the rocks from falling.” – Lloyd MacAdam, ODOT District 11 deputy director

contractor for the project, is running two shifts a day to remove the hillside. The hillside is being laid back about 400 feet from the highway. Once completed the hillside at the bottom will sit back 45 feet from the road, an ODOT engineer said. MacAdam said excavation work is expected to be completed in the fall. Work on reconstructing the highway will begin in the spring of 2018, with the highway expected to be reopened that summer. MacAdam said ODOT is cognizant of the delays caused to motorists with the blasting on both hillside excavations. Once the Rush Run work is completed, drivers will only face blasting around noon on weekdays in the north Brilliant project, he said. “When it is all done, the traveling public won’t have to worry about rocks falling from the hillside. This was the only way we could stop the rocks from falling,” MacAdam said. ODOT also is realligning the state Route 7 access to the Veterans Memorial Bridge. MacAdam said the $10 million project started a year ago and is about 30 percent complete. Two turning lanes will be installed turning onto University Boulevard from both the northbound and southbound lanes of state Route 7. MacAdam said the single turning lane

...AND OTHER FINE STORES AND RESTAURANTS

Contributed by ODOT project engineer Adam Lytton

Work continues on a slope repair project north of Brilliant above state Route 7. Cast & Baker of Canonsburg, Pa., the contractor for the $30 million project, is running two shifts a day to remove the hillside. The hillside is being laid back about 400 feet from the highway and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2018.

Mark Law

The Ohio Department of Transportation is working to re-allign the state Route 7 access to the Veterans Memorial Bridge. The $10 million project started a year ago and is about 30 percent complete. Shelley & Sands Inc. of Rayland, the contractor for the job, is reconstructing the southbound lanes of the highway.

from northbound state Route 7 onto University Boulevard has been a problem for years. A truck turning left onto University Boulevard can take the entire traffic-light time allotted for turning left. When completed, there will be two turning lanes onto University Boulevard and two lanes entering the bridge. Shelley & Sands Inc. of Rayland, the contractor for the job, is reconstructing the southbound lanes of the highway. MacAdam said once that work is completed, crews then will reconstruct the northbound lanes. The work

is expected to be completed by November. ODOT officials reported there have been some delays in the project, especially with dealing with the railroad bridge abutments. Officials are planning a deck replacement on the Lawson Avenue bridge, going over the Washington Street hill, which also is designated as state Route 43. The $1.2 million project is expected to be done this summer. MacAdam said ODOT then will return to the normal highway repaving and deck replacement projects in Jefferson County.

Join the

I am for the child movement.

A Child’s Place CASA, Ltd. (304) 737-4444 613 Main Street childsplacecasa.com/volunteer Follansbee, WV 26037

SUNSET CHRYSLER-DODGE-JEEP-RAM TRUCK-VOLKSWAGEN 2218 Sunset Blvd. Steubenville 740-264-1696

SEE 9 PICTURES OF EVERY CAR @ www.sunsetvwjeep.com

www.sunsetmotorsorp.com & www.sunsetvw.com

AVAILABLE SUVS AND TRUCK 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE - SILVER, 6K .........................$18,998 2016 KIA SORENTO LX - GRAY, 24K ...........................................$22,998 2015 DODGE DURANGO SXT AWD - GRAY, 7K .........................$29,998 2015 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED - BLACK, 10K ............$32,998 2015 JEEP PATRIOT SPORT - SILVER, 19K ..................................$17,998 2015 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE RED 17 MILES ......................$26,998 2015 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO - RED, 275 MILES ............$30,798 2015 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE - SILVER, 15K .......................$21,998 2015 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT - ORANGE, 25K ........................$26,998 2015 JEEP CHEROKEE LIMITED - 4X4, WHITE, 5K ....................$25,998 2015 RAM 3500 - SILVER, 19K .....................................................$39,998 2015 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT - WHITE, 20K ..............................$17,998 2015 CHRYSLER 200 - BLACK, 49K .............................................$13,998 2015 DODGE JOURNEY CROSSROAD - BLACK, 14K................$22,998 2014 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT RIGHTHAND DRIVE - 66K .......$23,998 2014 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED SPORT - BLACK, 19K .......$29,998 2014 JEEP COMPASS LATITUDE, GRAY 31K .............................$16,998 2014 JEEP COMPASS LATITUDE, WHITE 19K ............................$18,998 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE V6, WHITE 21K .....................$21,998 2014 CAM-AM COMMANDER 800 - YELLOW, 140 HRS ............$14,998 2014 JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON DUNE - 31K .........................$28,998 2013 RAM 1500 EXPRESS CREW - RED, 19K .............................$25,998 2013 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA - BLACK, 18K ........................$28,498 2013 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO - BLACK ,18K ............ $27,998 2013 FORD F-150 XL AWD - WHITE, 74K.....................................$16,998 2013 RAM 1500 BIGHORN - SILVER, 25K ...................................$29,998 2012 JEEP LIBERTY SPORT - BLACK, 32K..................................$16,998 2012 JEEP COMPASS LATITUDE - GRAY 31K ............................$16,998 2012 JEEP PATRIOT SPORT 4X4 - GREEN, 49K ........................$13,998 2012 RAM 1500 - SILVER, 56K .....................................................$22,998 2011 RAM 1500 BIG HORN CREW - BLUE, 46K .........................$25,998 2011 GMC ACADIA - GRAY, 71K ..................................................$20,998 2011 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED SAHARA - SILVER, 64K ... $27,998 2010 HONDA CR-V EX - SILVER ...................................................$14998 2010 GMC ACADIA AWD - SILVER, 102K. ...................................$12,998 2010 MERCEDES BENZ GLK350 - BLACK, 62K ...........................$17,998 2010 GMC ACADIA SLT AWD - BLACK, 58K ...............................$19,998 2010 TOYOTA TACOMA - GREEN, 83K .........................................$21,998 2008 FORD F-150 FX4 - WHITE, 88K ...........................................$21,998 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO - RED 92K ...................$9,998 2008 DODGE DAKOTA CREW - LARAMINE RED, 44K ...............$18,998 2008 JEEP LIBERTY - WHITE, 136K ...............................................$3,998 2007 JEEP COMPASS SPORT 5SPD - WHITE, 107K.....................$5,598

GREAT DEALS

2007 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT - BLACK, 52K ............................$17,998 2007 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA 5 SPD - BLACK, 167K ...........$14,995 2007 FORD F150 XLT - BLACK, 104K ............................................$9,598 2007 GMC SIERRA SLE - RED, 75K .............................................$16,998 2007 FORD EXPLORER XLT - GOLD, 68K ..................................... $7,998 2006 CHEVY SILVERADO - GREEN, 101K ................................... $11,998 2006 JEEP LIBERTY SPORT - RED, 67K. .......................................$4,998 2006 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO RED 95K ..................... $7,998 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO - BLUE, 80K ................$8,498 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO - RED, 182K ................$4,998 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE - ROCKY MTN GREEN, 121K ....$9,998 2005 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4 GRAY 119K ........................................$8,998 2002 JEEP LIBERTY - BLUE, 119K .................................................$4,998 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT - TAN, 65K ........................................$4,998 2001 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO - M, 237K ....................$2,498 2001 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT - YELLOW, 134K .........................$8,998 1994 FORD RANGER SPLASH PURPLE 109K..............................$2,498 VOLKSWAGENS AVAILABLE 2015 V W BEETLE CONVERTIBLE - WHITE, 10K .........................$19,998 2014 VW JETTA SE - SILVER, 14K ...............................................$13,998 2014 VW BEETLE 2.5 - BLACK, 43K.............................................$13,998 2013 VW PASSAT SE - BLACK, 82K............................................. $10,998 2012 VW CC EXECUTIVE 3.6 4 MOTION - BLACK, 42K ..............$17,998 2012 VW ROUTAN - GRAY, 70K ...................................................$12,998 2012 VW CC - SILVER, 33K............................................................$17,998 2010 V W BEETLE - RED, MANUAL, 54K .......................................$9,998 1993 VW PASSAT VR6 - RED, 91K .................................................$3,998 AND THERE’S MORE 2016 SCION IM - RED, 4K ............................................................$15,998 2014 CHEVY CRUZ - SILVER ....................................................... $10,998 2012 CHEVY CRUZ LTZ - 111K .......................................................$8,598 2012 BUICK VERANO - RED, 14K ................................................$14,998 2010 CHEVY AVEO LT - GRAY, 119K ..............................................$3,998 2009 HONDA ACCORD EXL - GRAY, 63K .................................... $11,998 2009 CHEVY COBALT - SILVER, 84K............................................. $7,998 2008 MAZDA 3 HATCH - SILVER, 116K .........................................$6,498 2007 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY - RED, 77K ........................ $7,995 2002 CHEVY MONTE CARLO SS - RED, 77K ...............................$4,998 2001 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY LXI - SILVER, 109K ...........$3,598 2001 BUICK PARK AVENUE - ULTRA WHITE, 135K......................$1,500 2000 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN LIMITED - SILVER, 154K .........$2,998 1986 CHEVY CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE - RED, 44K .................$13,998 1984 PORSCHE 944 - BLACK 106K................................................$5,998

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK/ENERGY WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2017

PROGRESS I — SECTION B

Getting ready to roll

Mark Law

The Frontier Group of Properties sold part of the idled steel plant in Mingo Junction to Acero Junction at the end of November. Acero Junction has hired contractors to ready the 80-inch rolling mill for operations.

Idle since 2009, Mingo steel plant could see a rebirth

By MARK LAW Staff writer

MINGO JUNCTION — After sitting empty and idle for seven years, the steel plant in the village may be seeing a new life. The Frontier Group of Companies recently confirmed the sale of a section of the steel plant in the village to Acero Junction. Contractors have been working inside readying the 80-inch rolling mill for operations. There were 200 contractor employees working in the mill toward the end of December but the number has dwindled since. Acero Junction was attempting to get the rolling mill in operation by the end of 2016. In late January, a video was posted on Facebook, apparently showing coils being run in tests at the plant, though officials said commercial production was not yet occurring. That was expected to start in early February. Frontier Group of Cos. Chief Executive Officer David Franjoine made the announcement of the sale on Nov. 30. The Mingo facility, the largest of the former Wheeling-Pitt plants, still contains the modern $115 million electric arc furnace

installed in 2004. However, workers have not produced any steel at the plant since its 2009 idling while under the ownership of OAO Severstal. Due to RG Steel’s 2012 bankruptcy, Buffalo, N.Y.based Frontier Group of Cos. purchased the entire Mingo facility — including its electric arc furnace — for $20 million. Frontier since has demolished most of the northern part of the plant. Frontier has been marketing the land for other industrial development. The company reported its plans called for demolishing the antiquated steelmaking facilities, preserving the modern steelmaking equipment and redeveloping the site. The area offers more than 250 acres of flat land. “Our goal was always to improve the site and find a viable buyer for the steel making assets at Mingo,” Franjoine said. “We can proudly say we accomplished our goal. The idle plant will see new life as steel making operations come back to this area of Ohio. This is an exciting time as jobs and commerce comes back to the part of Ohio hit hard by the slowdown in domestic steel production. Acero Junction is

making a significant investment to bring the Mingo Junction steel plant back online.” Mingo Junction Mayor Ed Fithen said it was an early Christmas present to the village. “I’ve always said there was light at the end of the tunnel. This is just the beginning of it. It is good news and keeps our hopes alive,” Fithen said. Mingo Junction Councilwoman Jodilynn Fitzgerald said the sale of the plant is wonderful news. “I am so thrilled for the people of the village. I can’t wait to see workers with lunchboxes walking up the steps (to the mill),” Fitzgerald said. The reopening of the plant will help the financially struggling village with revenue from income tax and sale of water. “People have been waiting and hoping for this to happen. It is a great thing for our town. It will be a boost to our economy, depending on the number of workers,” said village Councilman Michael Herrick. Fitzgerald said the additional revenue hopefully will allow the village to hire additional workers to

provide services to the village. Village Clerk James Huggins said he doesn’t know how much money will be realized from the income tax collections until the mill actually begins operation. Village Councilman George Irvin said, “Mingo has a bright future. We are getting there piece by piece,” in reference to the mill possibly reopening and other businesses interested in opening in the village. Evan Scurti, Jefferson County Port Authority executive director, said he and Ed Looman, Eastern Ohio project manager for Appalachian Partnership For Economic Growth, and other economic development officials have been meeting with Frontier and Acero Junction for some time trying to get the deal worked out and possible financial incentives. “We will use this to build on for more economic development in the county,” Scurti said. He noted Acero Junction has the financial ability to see the project through. Frontier officials said various economic development agencies, including Jobs Ohio, the Jefferson County Port Authority and village officials,

were instrumental in closing the deal with Acero Junction. While the sale of the Mingo Junction steel making facility was significant, it was not the only piece of Frontier’s redevelopment plans for the site, company officials said in a press release. Frontier reported it is working on development plans for the southern area of the Mingo Junction site known as the south yard. “As demand for industrial space with rail access grows stronger, we are working with several potential users for the lease or sale of the southern property at Mingo Junction,” said Christopher Wietig, Frontier’s special project director. “We believe the restart of the steel plant will be a catalyst for repurposing and redevelopment of the balance of the vacant land at the Mingo site.” “The sale and restart of the Mingo Junction steel operations is a perfect example of the mission of Frontier,” said Craig A. Slater, Frontier’s vice president and general counsel. “Our mission is recovery, redevelopment and repurpose. We saw the potential in the Mingo site beyond just asset recovery, demolition, scrapping or leveling the site for redevelopment. A sale was always at the center of our strategy.”

352*5( 66

Jefferson County Port Authority taking active development role

3U L GH 3XU SRVH 3U RVSHU L W \

By DAVE GOSSETT Staff writer

WINTERSVILLE â&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Jefferson County Port Authority now is entering its fifth year as the lead local economic development agency, and Executive Director Evan Scurti is confident the future has potential. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The port authority is taking a very comprehensive approach to economic development and is serving as the leader in commercial and industrial development initiatives that will allow existing firms to grow as well as allow the county to attract quality employment opportunities for all of our citizens,â&#x20AC;? stated Scurti. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a long range goal of developing a stronger local tool kit of incentive programs and availability of capital expense funds. In 2015 the board of directors created a Reserve Capital Fund for future building and infrastructure projects and has already placed $200,000 into that fund,â&#x20AC;? Scurti explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A new investment and operating team announced plans to restart the former steel mill facility in Mingo Junction. That has resulted in Acero Junction making one of the largest investments in steelmaking in Eastern Ohio in decades. We are looking forward to string job creation as plans for the 80-inch rolling mill and electric arc furnace continue this year. And we are working to bring potential investors to the millâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s south yard, which has land available for industrial activities,â&#x20AC;? said Scurti. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We saw the development and opening of the Francis-

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2017

can Square in Steubenville in 2016 that includes the Best Western Plus Hotel and future retail and restaurant development at the University Boulevard site,â&#x20AC;? added Scurti. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And, the Jefferson County Educational Service Center purchased nearly 3 acres in the Jefferson County Industrial Park in 2016 for the construction of a stateof-the-art facility to support the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online education programs,â&#x20AC;? said Scurti. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In my view the near future represents one of the most exciting eras of oppor-

tunity in the Ohio Valley in decades. Our county is continuing to redefine itself as an area that can provide a foundation for 21st century logistics, manufacturing growth and world-renowned higher education. If the multi-billion ethanol cracker facilities become a reality, we have an amazing opportunity for growth,â&#x20AC;? said Scurti. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, we face challenges in 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one of

which is the Fort Steuben Mall where the Sears store closed in 2016 and the Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s store will close this year. Our board of directors has dis-

See PORT Page 3B Ă

Dave Gossett

Jefferson County Port Authority Executive Director Evan Scurti points out potential sites on an aerial view of Steubenville that could be used for economic development.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The port authority is taking a very comprehensive approach to economic development and is serving as the leader in commercial and industrial development initiatives that will allow existing firms to grow, as well as allow the county to attract quality employment opportunities for all of our citizens.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Evan Scurti, executive director, Jefferson County Port Authority

Pytash Tractor Sales Inc. 8003 St Hwy 213 Toronto, Ohio 43964 740-544-5620

GRZQ $ 3 5 Ć&#x201C;QDQFLQJ IRU XS WR PRQWKV RQ SXUFKDVHV RI QHZ .XERWD %; 6HULHV HTXLSPHQW LV DYDLODEOH WR TXDOLĆ&#x201C;HG SXUFKDVHUV IURP SDUWLFLSDWLQJ GHDOHUVĹ? LQ VWRFN LQYHQWRU\ WKURXJK ([DPSOH $Q PRQWK PRQWKO\ LQVWDOOPHQW UHSD\PHQW WHUP DW $ 3 5 UHTXLUHV SD\PHQWV RI SHU Ć&#x201C;QDQFHG $ 3 5 LQWHUHVW LV DYDLODEOH WR FXVWRPHUV LI QR GHDOHU GRFXPHQWDWLRQ SUHSDUDWLRQ IHH LV FKDUJHG 'HDOHU FKDUJH IRU GRFXPHQW SUHSDUDWLRQ IHH VKDOO EH LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK VWDWH ODZV ,QFOXVLRQ RI LQHOLJLEOH HTXLSPHQW PD\ UHVXOW LQ D KLJKHU EOHQGHG $ 3 5 $ 3 5 DQG ORZ UDWH Ć&#x201C;QDQFLQJ PD\ QRW EH DYDLODEOH ZLWK FXVWRPHU LQVWDQW UHEDWH RIIHUV )LQDQFLQJ LV DYDLODEOH WKURXJK .XERWD &UHGLW &RUSRUDWLRQ 8 6 $ 'HO $PR %OYG 7RUUDQFH &$ VXEMHFW WR FUHGLW DSSURYDO 6RPH H[FHSWLRQV DSSO\ 2IIHU H[SLUHV 6HH XV IRU GHWDLOV RQ WKHVH DQG RWKHU ORZ UDWH RSWLRQV RU JR WR ZZZ NXERWD FRP IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ 2SWLRQDO HTXLSPHQW PD\ EH VKRZQ

352*5( 66 3U L GH 3XU SRVH 3U RVSHU L W \

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2017

Evan Scurti, executive director of the Jefferson County Port Authority, looks over a copy of the authority’s economic development assets, along with its goal and objectives. Scurti believes the area is on the verge of experiencing one of its most exciting eras in decades.

Dave Gossett

Port Continued from Page 2B

“My assistant, competitive among the cussed the future of Joseph Dantona, a states, it makes great the mall and possible Franciscan University sense for the port and answers. The answer of Steubenville gradu- BDC to pool their may be bringing ate, has done a very resources and market diverse backroom good job for the port our valley region to businesses to that authority. He is very national and internaarea. We need to balorganized and on top tional decision-makance our local econoof several projects for ers,”said Scurti. my. We still believe us,” added Scurti. “The port authority there is future potenhas developed tial with the strong working oil and gas “In my view the near future relationships industry but with the owners we can’t put represents one of the most of all three forall our eggs exciting eras of opportunity mer mills in into one basin the Ohio Valley in decades. Yorkville, ket. We need Our county is continuing to Mingo Junction to have a and very diverse redefine itself as an area Steubenville. approach to capture mar- that can provide a foundation The properties represent more kets of for 21st century logistics, than 500 acres opportunimanufacturing growth and of land availty,” said world-renowned higher educa- able for new Scurti. industry. The “We have tion. If the multi-billion work of our four main regional partpriorities as ethanol cracker facilities become a reality, we have an ner — the we enter Appalachian 2017. The amazing opportunity for Partnership for first priority growth.” Economic is to work Growth is also with JobsO– Evan Scurti, executive director, very vital. hio on site Jefferson County Port Authority APEG was prepararesponsible for tions. We the creation in need to “The port authority 2015 of the Ohio River develop a strategic partnership with Acero looks forward to ongo- Sites marketing website, a vital economic Junction Inc. We need ing partnerships with the Business Develop- tool to our market to focus on exploring area. This is an imporvarious financing and ment Corp. of the Northern Panhandle to tant initiative as the incentive strategies not only redevelop valley and all of that can be used to facilitate the growth of potentially contaminat- Appalachia must focus ed lands but also to on diversifying and Acero and affiliated creatively market our showcasing these companies,” noted river valley together. unique properties to Scurti. While economic devel- various industries “We plan to update worldwide. This conour marketing efforts opment is often very in 2017 by revising our list of target real estate agents and site consultants to closely align with new industrial and commercial assets. We will also strengthen the port authority services and overall partnership with the manufacturing and logistics sectors throughout the county. We also need to be focused on assisting the county’s current employers in their respective business plans,” said Scurti. “My job as executive director is multifaceted. We are always looking for prospects for available properties in Jefferson County and trying to put people together with the potential sites. We also manage the Jefferson County Industrial Park for the county commissioners,” Scurti explained.

tinues to be a focus of the port as we move into 2016. We are currently in consultation with a manufacturing prospect expressing interest in riverserved sites, and we expect to capitalize on this trend in the coming years. Manufacturing in the Ohio Valley could be a strategic decision for many industries in the com-

ing years, and the port is focused on securing these future capital investments,” commented Scurti. “I want to be a catalyst for development and for attracting good jobs to our community. I have always viewed Steubenville as its own economic driver. There is plenty of room in Jefferson County for quality

employers and businesses. I don’t particularly want to be considered as a bedroom community of Pittsburgh. I believe Jefferson County has a great atmosphere for economic development. Every county is unique in its own way but I feel I can develop goals for development in Jefferson County,” Scurti said.

352*5( 66 3U L GH 3XU SRVH 3U RVSHU L W \

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2017

A gear from an air compressor that provided plant air for the former Ormet plant was on the ground at the site in Hannibal in September. For decades many workers in the area found work at the aluminum plant. But due to stiff price competition from China, the plant closed in 2014.

ʻIt still looks extremely promisingʼ

Associated Press

DINING Directory

Gaslite Restaurant & Lounge 820 Canton Rd, Wintersville, Oh 43953

(740) 264-2225 don’t let the parking lot fool you we have plenty of seating inside!

DOWNTOWN BAKERY

“You Can Taste The Difference.” 151 S. 4th St., Steubenville

740-283-1138

E ORIGINAL TH

Steve’s

Fish & Chips We Specialize in: Freshly Breaded Fish and Shrimp Carry Out Orders and Delivery Only

233 South 4th Street, Steubenville, OH Phone: 282-3261

GIOVANNI’S

Mario’s

“A TASTE of Italy”

GIOVANNI ROSSI

Restaurant & Lounge

Owner, Operator

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE SPAGHETTI DINNER WITH SALAD 3013 Pennsylvania Ave., Weirton

304-224-1513

3810 Main St., Weirton, WV

304-748-1179 Open Sun-Fri 11:30am, Sat. 3pm

The Steubenville, Ohio 43952 Ph. 740-264-9887 Fax 740-264-9986 www.thevillerestaurant.net

Owners Raymond and Leigh Johnson

9229 State Route 43, Bloomingdale, OH 43910

(740) 543-3895

Ville

RESTAURANT and BAR

Stop In On Valentines Day For A Great Dinner! OUR DINING HOURS Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm; Fri. & Sat. 11am-12 midnight; Sun., 12pm-9pm

Our Large, Friendly Bar is open Late, Serving a nice selection of Wine, Beer & Cocktails!

“See for yourself why everyone Loves The Ville!

Marge’s Cakes & Catering

Bridal Showers|Baby Showers|Baby Showers|Graduations Showers|Graduations

2226 Market Street, Wheeling, WV

304-232-8510

“Your Tropical Dining and Meeting Place” ARE YOU TOO BUSY TO COOK? TRY OUR CASABLAN CA ROOM

CALL OUR RIBLINE: 748-1150 Store Hours Daily 11 AM - 11 PM & Sunday Noon - 10 PM

380 Three Springs Drive Weirton, WV 26062

TRY OUR

MEALS TO GO

(DRIVE THRU WINDOW)

Also Try Our -

• Daily Lunch Specials • Philly Cheese Steak • Specialty Salads • 8oz Burgers • Ribs - Steaks - Seafood - BBQ Wings • Gift Cards Available

All Your Upcoming Event Needs! (724) 947-4843 • (412) 296-1483 Located on Rt. 18, Just Off Rt. 22 Next Door to First Niagara Pavilion

McConnell’s

Farm Market * BEEF * PORK * COUNTRY SAUSAGE * HOME SMOKED MEATS 2233 St. Rt. 43, Richmond, OH 43944

740-765-4300

Decision to build PTT Global ethane cracker in Belmont County could come in March By PAUL GIANNAMORE Staff writer STEUBENVILLE — Among the biggest potential developments for the job picture in the Jefferson County area still is weeks away from a decision. The decision to build the PTT Global ethane cracker in Belmont County is expected to come in March, according to project officials, and that could trigger a big advancement for demand for the area’s work force. “It still looks extremely promising,” said Ed Looman, Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth project manager for Jefferson, Carroll, Holmes, Coshocton, Harrison, Guernsey and Belmont counties. PTT is continuing with site engineering studies and the former FirstEnergy R.E. Burger power plant has been cleared from the site. Further, Jefferson County stands to benefit from Shell’s ethane cracker already under construction in Monaca, Pa. The decision to go ahead with construction of that plant was announced in June. See APEG Page 5B Á

352*5( 66 3U L GH 3XU SRVH 3U RVSHU L W \

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2017

APEG Continued from Page 4B

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jefferson County and others are in a sweet spot, right in the middle of the two crackers. Our hope is that once construction is under way the area will become highly desireable for petrochemical companies and rubber manufacturers for the low-cost, readily available feedstock in the region,â&#x20AC;? Looman said.

He said the influential radius of cracker plants tends to be between 50 to 100 miles from the plant and would encompass both sides of the Ohio River. With that in mind, having readily developable sites in the region is important. APEG and local economic developers such as the Jefferson County Port Authority

Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Special

Exquisite Creations Designs by Joel John Now thru Feb. 14th

PURCHASE A GIFT CERTIFICATE $25 OR MORE GET A FREE FRESH MINI BOUQUET 762 Canton Rd., Suite 1, Wintersville, OH 43953

maintain inventories of available sites, which becomes a crucial task as the area prepares for the impact of the crackers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to be sure that our site inventory is the best that it can be,â&#x20AC;? said Looman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of effort was expended during 2016 on site development and site prep and site marketing.â&#x20AC;?

APEG features a list of available Ohio River industrial sites on its website, APEG.com, including a variety of rail terminals, warehouses, industrial parks, port terminals and other sites, as well as a list of prime sites that are development ready but not necessarily along the Ohio River. The sites are a mix of

HRS: Mon.-Fri. 10-6; Sat. 10-2

Affordable Prices

Cremations â&#x20AC;˘ Memorials â&#x20AC;˘ Burials

Bennie Parr Broker

Aura Gittings, Agent Cell: 304-459-9440 aura@bparrservices.com â&#x20AC;˘ bparrservices.com

Pet Service Counselor Pat Fahey

Call: 304.232.8933 Or Toll Free: 877.954.0812

304-232-7210 1-888-816-9323 12TH & EOFF STREET, WHEELING, WV 26003

www.firstchoiceamericacu.org

1-800-LASHLEY

Federally Insured by NCUA. Membership Eligibility Required.

Village Of