We’re not usually so fond of government spending, and have real concerns about the high level of stimulus spending in this country, but a recent action by the Lewis County Commissioners to attract a new company is well placed.

    On Monday, the county loaned $800,000 to the East County Public Development Authority to construct a new building at the Packwood Industrial Park. Last week the county also granted a $300,000 loan to the PDA to refurbish an existing 8,000-square-foot building at the industrial park. The new building will be a 12,000-square-foot structure with an underground test range.

    The money is a successful effort to bring in Modern Arms Inc., a company that makes ammunition, to Packwood. The company plans to hire about 50 employees, which is much needed in economically depressed East Lewis County. The loans are scheduled to be paid back in 20 years.

    Commissioner Lee Grose, quoted in a Chronicle story today, was correct when he said if it brings in 40 to 50 jobs, “it’s going to be worth it.”

    Making ammo in East Lewis County seems like an appropriate fit. It is no secret that rural America supports its right to bear arms. East Lewis County certainly fits that pattern.

    But more important to the future viability of Modern Arms Inc. is current trends of ammunition purchases.

    The sales of ammunition across America has exploded by 49 percent for the first six months of this year compared to 2008. According to an article in the Washington Post, retailers selling ammunition are finding their shelves bare. Ammunition manufacturers have not been able to keep pace with demand.

    In a normal year gun owners in America buy 7 to 10 billion rounds of ammunition. In the past year, industry analysts estimated gun owners have bought about 12 billion rounds.

    Gun sales are also up. Suspicion about the current federal government’s intentions on gun control certainly is one factor, although it appears efforts to push gun control by Obama’s administration and Democrat-controlled Congress have been stalled for more pressing issues.

    Gun advocates should be assured by a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that ruled the District of Columbia could not restrict handguns, that the Second Amendment guarantees the individual the right to own a gun. President Obama recently signed a bill to allow the possession of firearms in national parks.

    Finally, it is more than just jobs that will help the economic atmosphere in Packwood and surrounding areas. Those ammo sales will bring in a needed tax boost to East Lewis County.

    We believe this support for more jobs in East Lewis County by our commissioners is a bang-up effort.