A review of recent work by the Washington Economic Development Group including residential development talks, multi-county workforce development, and selling a lot in Washington’s business Park, was presented to the Washington County Board of Supervisors.

Director of WEDG Ed Raber also said he’s recently fielded questions from people interested in investing in properties around the county that may qualify for historic tax credits. However, to apply for such credits Washington County must have certified local government status which is recognized by the State. Raber explains, “You would be eligible to apply for some grants from the state to help you with some technical assistance.”

The City of Washington has its own preservation commission, which has aided in the downtown area being recognized as historic and has aided in project. If the county were to have an active commission, then the other, smaller towns in Washington County would fall under the county’s umbrella. Historic areas or properties would have to be identified, which Raber says most of the downtown areas would likely qualify, “Again, it’s a carrot, not a stick. You can do whatever you want with your property. But that might pave the way for some of the private investment that, I think has spruced up downtown Washington, to take place in some of those other communities. And yes, most of those other communities are not going to form a five-person commission, but collectively around the county I think that there are enough interested people that would make a viable commission that would be very helpful to the people of the county.” The commission would have to meet quarterly. No board action was taken on the report.