Gov. John Kasich recently proposed more projects to be funded through his Jobs and Transportation Plan, with a projected $2 billion to be spent on the state’s infrastructure, jobs and economy.

That would be great news for Lawrence County if the long-awaited Chesapeake Bypass project had been included in the list of upcoming construction projects.

Once again, Lawrence County and a project that has been lobbied for by local leaders for decades has been overlooked.

The county’s economy has grown much over the past 10 years with new businesses moving into The Point industrial park, a new hotel in Ironton and recreational, residential and dining options sprouting all over the area.

Completing the bypass would be another leap forward in creating a seamless highway system that would link the Tri-State and ensure that Lawrence County can continue to grow into the future.

Unfortunately, state leaders in Columbus still chose to ignore the needs of southern Ohio.

The Tri-State has waited long enough and local leaders need to continue to pursue this project.