Lorain County Mega Site Poised for “Generational Change” with $67.4 Million State Grant
A massive economic development project is underway in Lorain County, Ohio, promising a significant transformation for the region. A $67.4 million investment from the state’s All Ohio Future Fund (AOFF) will lay the groundwork for a 1,000+ acre “mega site” intended to attract industry and alleviate housing pressures.
The area, currently a mix of farmland and the location of the Lorain County Airport, is bracing for what local leaders are calling a “generational change.” Frank Poore, 83, a longtime resident, reflects on the area’s evolution. “It’s changed a lot over the years,” he said, noting the growth of neighboring communities like Avon and North Ridgeville. “They can only move this way.”
Infrastructure Investment Fuels Development
The funding, combined with local and private investment, will focus on critical infrastructure improvements. These include expanding water capacity, upgrading wastewater services, and constructing a new wastewater treatment plant. As Lorain County Commissioner Dave Moore succinctly put it, “You can have a lot of farmland and it’s really good hunting land. But unless you can flush a toilet, it’s really just hunting land.”
Alongside the utilities project, plans are moving forward to extend the runway at the Lorain County Airport to 7,000 feet. This expansion will accommodate larger aircraft, including freight planes, enhancing the site’s logistical capabilities. Moore emphasized that these improvements are designed to make the mega site exceptionally attractive to potential developers. “We’re building the foundation and we’re opening up our doors and rolling out the red carpet, saying we’re now ready,” he stated.
Economic Impact and Regional Benefits
The project is expected to generate a substantial economic impact, with projections of thousands of new jobs. Economic development partner Team NEO is collaborating with JobsOhio to assemble the site and attract investment. Christine Nelson, vice president of project management and site strategies at Team NEO, highlighted the site’s strategic location near Lorain County Community College and major population centers.
Nelson also drew a comparison to other large-scale projects in Ohio, noting, “Everybody gets very excited about all the projects that are happening in Columbus, which is exciting for Ohio – but keep in mind that none of those projects, Honda, Intel, Anduril, none of those are in Franklin County, right?” She added that the Lorain County development will benefit not only the immediate area but also larger regional hubs like Cleveland and Akron.
Community Response: Optimism and Caution
While many view the investment as a sign of progress, some residents have expressed concerns about potential disruptions to the rural character of the community. Some neighbors voiced worries about increased traffic and noise levels associated with new industry. However, others believe that carefully managed growth will be beneficial. “Growth is always good. Controlled growth is what you need, though. I hope the commissioners and everybody doing this knows what they’re doing or thinks it through,” Poore commented.
Moore assured residents that the county is committed to “grow[ing] in a smart way,” emphasizing that the project represents a long-term investment in the region’s future. “This just kind of seals the deal that we are going to grow, but we’re going to grow in a smart way,” he said. “We’re building a foundation. This is generational change and that’s what we’re doing.”
