Hottinger: Intel's investment shows the appeal of Licking County
Breaking ground at the new Intel site means the largest economic development project in state history has officially begun. Central Ohio, and Licking County specifically, are the new epicenter of the budding Silicon Heartland. This is a tremendous win for our county, our state, and our nation.
Intel’s decision to locate here illustrates our significant appeal to some of the world’s largest companies. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of many state and local partners who have already enhanced our roads, water, services, and technology to make our area so inviting.
Intel plans to invest as much as $100 billion expanding the complex, making it the largest chip manufacturing facility in the world. This will have a tremendous snowball effect, leading companies to come here from around the globe. Intel already expects as many as 40 companies in its supply chain to move to Ohio.
The chip-building facility in New Albany will employ 3,000 workers at an average salary of $135,000 each, and could eventually employ 12,000 individuals. The project will also create 7,000 construction jobs, 10,000 indirect jobs, and an estimated $3 billion to the state’s annual gross state product.
Intel will have a huge impact on future generations. The company has pledged $100 million in new partnerships with Ohio’s higher education system, which will train high-tech workers. In Licking County, this means tremendous new career opportunities, as Intel will seek workers with STEM skills. This is great news for Central Ohio Technical College (COTC), OSU Newark, and Career and Technology Education Centers (C-TEC). They are already preparing future employees. Graduates seeking technology careers will no longer need to move out of state. They will be able to stay in the area, contribute to the local economy, and raise their families here.
It would be naïve to think there won’t be challenges that arise with a project of this size and scope. Issues such as workforce development, housing, and infrastructure will impact the region. We must cultivate both STEM and other talented workers to fill the multiple job sectors created around Intel.
Anticipated population growth is a concern. Developing more housing is essential for us to keep our local residents and to welcome new people to our great state. With the expansion of the workforce and housing demand, this will also affect our local schools. More families means more students, which will translate to the need for additional teachers, resources and facilities.
Infrastructure is also imperative. From improving our roads and developing better water and sewer lines, we have much to accomplish. Ohio has already approved millions in funds in the capital budget to start on this work, and the Controlling Board approved the distribution of $13 million to expand State Route 161 from Columbus to Newark.
I am confident that the state, county, cities, and townships will continue to work together to find solutions to all of these challenges. I have already been participating in conversations with local business leaders, school officials and government entities to prepare for all the growth and changes coming to Licking County. I also believe in Intel’s ability to be a good corporate neighbor. When I traveled to Chandler, Arizona earlier this year, I was pleased to find that Intel is true partner in the community. Together we can foster this same relationship here in Ohio.
Sen. Jay Hottinger, R-Newark, represents Licking, Perry, Coshocton, Tuscarawas counties and part of Holmes County in the Ohio Senate.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Hottinger: Intel's investment shows the appeal of Licking County
