A new company could be locating at the Dow Chemical complex on County Road 1A bringing the potential of 18 jobs in two years.

At its regular Thursday meeting the Lawrence County Commission approved a pre-application for the lending of $400,000 to Forward Energy from Community Development Block Grants.

The company, which is still developing, will use microwave technology to turn tires and similar material into such products as carbon black.

“They have plans to grow beyond that,” Ralph Kline, assistant executive of the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization, told the commissioners. “We think it has good impact.”

The commissioners also received correspondence from the Wayne National Forest extending the comment period for the Buckeye Habitat Improvement Project until June 30. The project’s goal is to help hickory and oak in the forests survive by removing undergrowth by logging and chemical burns.

However, owners of the Elkins Creek Horse Camp contend that the 20-year project would hurt their business by damaging horse and ATV trails. The commissioners recently wrote a letter citing their concern about potential downsides to the project.

The commissioners received a letter from the prosecuting attorney’s office on the proposed contract between STAR Community Justice Center and the commission on providing services if the jail moves to Scioto County. The prosecutor has been asked to review the contract.

“Upon review, we hereby approve it as to form only, giving no opinion with respect to the substantive provisions therein,” a letter from Robert Anderson, assistant prosecuting attorney, states.

In other action, the commissioners:

Received the weekly dog warden report where two dogs were destroyed, 29 were adopted or went to rescue and none were redeemed by owners;

Approved a change order for $7,682.85 for the 2014 county road resurfacing;

Met with Ironton Attorney Scott Evans on contract negotiations;

Met with department of job and family services director Terry Porter and assistant director Christopher Collins on hiring, firing and reprimand.