We were very happy to see that the Decatur County Board of Commissioners are in favor of both of the recent development projects that are underway at the county’s industrial park.

One of these projects involves the company buying the Traco building and then leasing it to a company that will bring 75 jobs to our area. The other project is a 20-megawatt solar farm that will put 200 acres of previously-undeveloped land back on the tax rolls.

It was important Tuesday that the county’s six commissioners each voted in favor of allowing the Industrial Development Authority to continue pursuing these projects. At this point, we need everyone on the same page to make these important economic developments a reality for our area. If even one commissioner had voted “no,” it would have painted a picture that we’re not unified and serious about improving our economic outlook.

Commissioners have repeatedly said that the most important issue facing the county is jobs and economic development. By showing a unified approval Tuesday, the county took a strong step toward addressing that important issue.