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Today's U.S 24 four-lane opening could lead to improvement in NW Ohio's economy

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By JARED ORZOLEK

orzolek@crescent-news.com

Today's opening of the new U.S. 24 section from Defiance to the Indiana state line marks the latest step in the Fort to Port project that promises to improve the economic climate of northwest Ohio.

Area economic development officials have anticipated the opening of the four-lane, divided highway for years and hope improvement of the highway will provide new opportunities for development.

Jerry Hayes, executive director of Defiance County Economic Development, said he hopes the highway helps the Defiance area attract new businesses.

"It should attract a new class of companies to Defiance, such as manufacturing and logistics companies and distribution centers," Hayes said.

He credited the work of individuals like Sue Westendorf and Jamie Black, who helped organize the local effort to get the Fort to Port project moving.

"It took almost 20 years to get it done, but it will be the confirmation of the vision that these folks had," Hayes said. "Defiance, in my opinion, is a cherry ready for picking. We are prepared. We have a great location and we have the water and sewer capacity that we need."

Officials in Paulding County also anticipated today's opening of new U.S. 24.

"Paulding County is excited. We think our quality of life, especially along old 24, and the safety of our roads will be most improved," said Tony Langham, director of the Paulding County Economic Development office. "Generally speaking, we are anticipating that it will be beneficial to Paulding County from a business standpoint."

Through much of Paulding County, the new path of U.S. 24 runs south of the old highway, providing a new four-lane road that the county has never had before.

Langham explained that when businesses contact his office regarding sites for development in Paulding County, they often ask how close a location is to a four-lane highway.

"It's very important to industry as far as the location of the factory," Langham said. "We feel new U.S. 24 will be another draw that we can offer. It will really bring us up to speed."

In Henry County, officials are still waiting for eastern portions of U.S. 24 to be constructed. Scheduled to open in 2012, the Henry and Lucas County portions of U.S. 24 will be the final piece in Ohio that connects Fort Wayne with Toledo.

"I think Napoleon is uniquely prepared for the completion of U.S. 24. We had the only existing four-lane stretch in place. Our city government took the steps to prepare ground adjacent to U.S. 24 with utilities and services to make that ground shovel ready," said Joel Miller, director of the Napoleon/Henry County Chamber of Commerce. "That combination has made Napoleon an attractive alternative."

Miller explained that final completion of the last sections of the new highway will impact the area in a manner as significant as today's grand opening of the section west of Defiance.

"That completion will mean a lot of changes. It's a potential game changer for the entire region. Henry County has to work hard to promote who we are, what we have to offer and why our quality of life and opportunities work for people and businesses," Miller said. "It will be easy to get here, but it will also be easy to get other places. I know how great it is to work in Henry County and raise a family here. It's the job of everyone who lives here to show people that greatness."