“Choose Your Portsmouth”: SCDN Publisher Mark Craycraft Issues Urgent Call to Action Amidst Historic Economic Boom

In a poignant and impassioned monologue, SCDN Publisher Mark Craycraft recently addressed the citizens of Scioto County, delivering a message that served as both a sobering reflection on the region's past and a clarion call for its future. Craycraft’s address highlighted a pivotal turning point for a community he described as having been "in the crapper for nearly two generations" due to a "nihilistic and fatalism mindset" and the devastating impact of the opioid crisis. The speech was marked by its emotional weight, as Craycraft lamented how the region, once a "beacon for resilience," had lost its "sound, its hope, its soul." However, the primary focus of his message was the unprecedented economic boom currently on the horizon—a windfall he noted many residents have not seen in their entire lifetimes. A Multi-Billion Dollar Transformation Craycraft outlined a series of massive investments currently reshaping the county’s trajectory. He credited the State of Ohio with a determination to transform Scioto County into a premier destination, suggesting the area should strive to make Hocking Hills look like "the other Scioto County." Key state-level investments include: Millions of dollars dedicated to internet towers and infrastructure to bring thousands of residents out of the 1980s and into the modern era. A $300 million riverfront revitalization project designed to fulfill the area's potential as a "true river city." Continued growth at the Shawnee Marina and Campground. Beyond state funding, Craycraft highlighted the entrance of major global and industrial players. He noted that Google has initiated its presence with a billion-dollar investment, while the development of two nuclear power plants in Pike—a project involving undisclosed billions—is expected to bring life-changing jobs to the area. Similar to the historical "A plant," it is projected that 80% of the workers for these new plants will reside in Scioto County homes. Cultural and Educational Rebirth The speaker also pointed toward Shawnee State University as a cornerstone of this local renaissance. Plans are underway to restore a historical site and introduce college football, a move Craycraft suggested could sustain the town’s economy through associated businesses. This is paired with the university's award-winning programs in the multi-billion dollar gaming industry, signaling a shift toward high-tech economic drivers. The Community’s Ultimatum Despite the influx of billions, Craycraft issued a stern warning to the public, emphasizing that the success of this "windfall" depends entirely on the community's reception of these investors. He challenged residents to decide whether they would provide "four-star hotel accommodations with peace, safety, and superior service" or meet these opportunities with resentment and "protests." "The train is already moving," Craycraft warned, stating that the "last call" for the community to change its mindset has already passed. He concluded his address by returning to his 2017 rallying cry, urging every citizen to #ChooseYourPortsmouth, emphasizing that public and private reactions will ultimately dictate the future of these possibilities.

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