When State Route 823, commonly known as the Portsmouth Bypass, opened for traffic some feared it could be an economic death blow to Portsmouth while others said the new highway would mean new growth and that we could expect to see hotels, gas stations, and other highway businesses pop up at exits.
So far, the area hasn’t seen that type of growth associated with the highway.
However, Scioto County Commission Chairman Scottie Powell said SR 823 is one of the key selling points the County will use to market the new multi-million dollar SOAR Business Park near Portsmouth Regional Airport to industry. “It is our job to make sure infrastructure is there.”
Commissioner Bryan Davis said that a business listing advertising the property at the business park had already nearly 5,000 hits in the past 30 days. “That’s significant.”
The county has seen interested parties from all over the country inquire about the park.
Growth Not Always Evident
Commissioner Powell said that while it might not look like much is happening, the county is investing in promotion through business site selectors. “It’s not as evident to the public because it’s a very specific group of people looking for development.”
Davis said it was important to look at other things that have been happening around 823. “At the end of that, you have Wheelersburg/Porter Township. We consider the extension of that Franklin Furnace and Haverhill. It all links. You got this big giant arch. That entire corridor, 3,000 plus acres, is being marketed and investments are being made to promote that site. Jobs Ohio has invested tones of money to help promote that and get that on the map.”
Expansion Continues
Davis said that in addition to the SOAR Business Park, other companies along the corridor have received funds from the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio to expand their businesses. “There’s investments happening. You’re seeing a lot of things happen in Lucasville, too.”
Davis said what they’re doing with economic development is different than the type of marketing needed for travel and tourism. “Do they go hand in hand, yeah? Companies look at those things. They both have to rise together.”