Athens County, Ohio

construction will begin next year. The Baileys Trail has already been successful in attracting businesses. “With the Chauncey-Dover Trailhead, there is about 37 and a half acres of land to be developed,” says Perani. “We have an Athens County company interested in expanding and building a new facility right across the street from Baileys. “We’re also seeing other organic business development as a result of the Baileys Trail,” says Mollie Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the ACEDC. Lenny Eliason, Athens County Commissioner, adds, “The scenic beauty and our focus on developing our recreational opportunities makes Athens County the perfect place to locate when looking for a community to live, work and play. Having Ohio University in our backyard provides tremendous educational and cultural experiences for people of all ages.” Part of Perani’s responsibility at the Athens County Economic Development Council (ACEDC) is handling expansion plans like this, along with maintaining business retention and attracting new companies to the area. The ACEDC also partners with the Entrepreneurial Development Group (EDG), which offers both support and continuing education for entrepreneurs along with additional community partners. Fitzgerald explains, “Earlier in the pandemic, we worked with many of these partners, as well as the Athens County Commissioner to create the COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund program. It used money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. In total, $256,092.93 was awarded to 30 county businesses for expenses related to interruptions due to state-mandated closures or payment uncertainties caused by the pandemic.” The Athens County Port Authority will be adding two more speculative buildings to its Bill Theisen Industrial Park, located just west of The Plains in Athens County. The speculative and runners. “The idea dates back to the late 1990s, but never had traction,” says Powers. “In 2015, with a leadership change at the Wayne National Forest and the persistence of the Athens Bicycle Club, the idea came up again. In 2017, a Master Plan was developed and a feasibility study conducted for conservation financing and modeling.” Phase three should be completed in September 2021, and the Baileys Trail System will feature 31 miles of trail and two operational trailheads. One of these is located at the Chauncey-Dover Community Park in Chauncey – a former mining town that hasn’t seen significant investment since its last coal mine was closed in the 1960s. Phase four