WTOV-TV: Gas industry moving into Ohio Valley

WASHINGTON, Pa. — The natural gas industry is slowly moving into the Ohio Valley and while some might question its ability to create local jobs and rejuvenate the economy, a quick glance at Washington County, Pa. shows what the future could hold.

In Washington County, thousands of local jobs have been created and millions of dollars have already been spent by drilling companies. Several drilling companies are opening offices in the region and even businesses not directly tied to drilling are seeing an economic windfall.

Washington County Commissioner Larry Maggi said local jobs were slow to develop when the industry first moved into the region in the early 2000’s.

“That’s true,” Maggi said. “[They don't employ many local workers] for the first couple years. But now we are employing our own people. And that trickles down.”

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