"With the way the economy is now, it's going to be a big boost for Ballard County," Judge-Executive Vickie Vinniard said. "We're optimistic there will be other jobs to follow."

She said many of the 58 fabricators, welders, electricians and others employed at James Marine-Wickliffe are from Ballard County. The business opened just over a month ago on a 12 acre site off U.S. 51 south, and employment is projected to grow to 125 within 18 months as the number of dry docks doubles to four.