Excitement is mounting in Belmont County where many people are convinced it's the site of the ethane cracker coming to the Ohio Valley.
They believe it will be located just south of Shadyside.
While no one is confirming that, officials are already looking at what the effects would be on the area.
A $2-$3 billion facility would bring countless workers to the Ohio Valley.
The revenue generated could mean a rebirth to the struggling Shadyside School system, and those workers would have needs, everything from barber shops to laundromats.
Officials are already looking at the possibilities.
"We're talking everything from laundry services, food services, catering, etc.," said Belmont County Development Director Sue Douglas. "On the more technical levels, we're talking about people who can put up websites. Also we have I think a strong opportunity for our skilled workforce such as pipefitters, fabricators, mill workers to start exercising their opportunities now."
"But the idea of a cracker plant or a chemical plant coming here to Belmont Count is exciting for Shadyside Schools because we are looking at the growth in population as well as the financial commitment it would make to this part of the country and in particular this part of the state," said Shadyside School Superintendent Terry Brinker. "So we are anxiously looking forward to the announcement and the challenges it will present our school system."
They say this could be a prime time for entrepreneurs, with any ideas on how to provide services for the influx of companies and workers.
While officials are not confirming the cracker will be in Belmont County, they are not denying it either, and several say they've literally been sworn to secrecy about it.
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