MURPHYSBORO (WSIL) -- After COVID-19 has left many businesses scrambling for over a year, Murphysboro is ready to get back on track.
And the new businesses coming to town have Mayor Will Stephens hopeful.
"Well, I think it's important because, number one, it is a morale booster for the community any time there is a new place to stay or a new restaurant," said Stephens.
Some big projects are still in the works, after hitting a couple bumps in the road.
"Well there are several things going on, one of which is that we continue to work with the group that hopes to open a data center in Murphysboro, which would be a multi million dollar development, on North 19th street. That's been delayed for a multitude of reasons over the last couple of years. But we're still hopeful and still in communication with them that they would move in to the old Kirwood Plant," said Stephens.
These projects mean good news for Murphysboro, as 80% of the towns budget comes from retail sales tax.
And now that the new Holiday Inn is open for business, there are talks for more development in that area.
"There are restaurants looking into developing there. I'm not able to disclose everything that's being discussed about locating on that particular development, but suffice to say, things are on the way," said Stephens.
