BENTON, Mo. -- Scott County will soon have a full-time official dedicated to economic development for the county.

"I think it will put the county on the offensive in bringing new businesses and industry to the county instead of waiting for them to come to us," said Jamie Burger, commissioner.

Martin Priggel, presiding commissioners, said the county commission is "trying to make the county a better place to live and this should help out." County officials reviewed the letter from the Missouri Department of Economic Development congratulating the county on the award of the Rural Economic Assistance Program grant during this week's meeting.

The letter stated the county will receive $30,000 a year for two years beginning Jan. 1 to hire a full-time community-economic development professional.

The county must provide office space and other support for this person, according to the letter, although the support can be used to satisfy the one-third local match required by the grant.