Things are looking up for Lawrence County’s economy and for the state as a whole, state Rep. Ken Johnson, R-Moulton, told the Courtland Town Council on Tuesday night.

Mayor Clarence Logston invited Johnson to the meeting for a discussion about Lawrence County. After redistricting, the northern edge of the county is in District 3, represented by Rep. Marcel Black, D-Tuscumbia. Most of District 3 is Colbert County.

Johnson said having two state representatives in Montgomery was a plus for Lawrence County. Johnson promised to work to help all of Lawrence County, even if a project falls in Black’s district.

“We will both advocate for Lawrence County,” Johnson promised. “We are not an island. In the past, Lawrence County has felt isolated and left out.”

Johnson also said cooperation with neighboring counties will lead to economic development.

“The river sites in Morgan County are filled up,” Johnson said. “We need to work together for industry that benefits us all.”

Johnson touched on Tennessee Valley Authority money that comes to Lawrence County and is put in a special fund. He said a board had been set up to administer the money. Johnson said he and Sen. Mark Bussman, R-Cullman, both want to use the money as matching funds for economic development.

The meeting Tuesday was a work session, so no formal action was taken. A number of items were discussed and agreements were reached that will be approved at the meeting set for Jan. 22.