Residents in the area have also endured on various occasions temporary boiling restrictions at their homes to ensure that the water from the private wells was safe for drinking. In addition to the 77 homes which are receiving the new public water service , the Mountain Empire Regional Airport and five other businesses in the area will also have access to the new public water system, and today's celebration marks a new opportunity for business and industrial development in Smyth County. Currently, the area from the Exit 54 interchange on Interstate 81 to the Wythe County line is underdeveloped. However, this area presents an outstanding location for future residential, industrial and commercial growth due to its proximity to the Airport and Interstate 81. With access to public drinking water now in place, I look forward to working with Smyth County officials in encouraging new development of various kinds in the area which surrounds us today.