WOOD COUNTY, Ohio (WTVG) – Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties are considering an economic development tool that could be a big draw for potential new businesses, but it's not what you might expect. .
When it comes to development, land is probably the first thing that comes to mind when a company wants to come to town. But water, especially sewage, also proved to be a major concern.
Therefore, a drainage survey will now begin. It involves Lucas County, Ottawa County, Wood County and how wastewater treatment plays a role in economic development.
“From a water and wastewater standpoint, wastewater is probably the biggest concern for development,” Lucas County Sanitation Engineer Jim Shaw said. “You want to have a sanitary source of sewage.”
We already have wastewater treatment plants operating at full capacity, including one in Toledo. This new study will ultimately determine how companies can utilize this plant and bowling alley facilities, or what else is ultimately needed to treat water and keep companies functioning. It will be considered whether to do so.
“We’re not excluding anyone,” Shaw said. “We want to make sure we cover all our bases.
Lucas County Commissioner Lisa Sobecki (D) said, “We shouldn't be working in silos for regional economic development, and this is one of the steps we'll be looking at.''
The hope is that if such issues are resolved in advance, the next business considering this field will become more attractive.
The hope is to complete the study over the next three to six months, before all groups can reconvene.
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