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Libby Montana News Archive

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy holds first meeting Second meeting to be held Thursday night in Troy March 14, 2007 The first of public meetings on the development of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy met Tuesday evening. Known as CEDS, the community profile is needed for Economic Development Administration loans and grants. Kootenai River Development Council is currently seeking an EDA grant for infrastructure improvement at the Kootenai Business Park, the former Neil's/St.Regis/Champion/Stimson mill site. To be eligible for loans and grants with the EDA the plan must be updated yearly and completely revisited every five years. The turn out was small. The meeting re-covered ground well traveled focusing on identification of Lincoln County's Economic strengths and weaknesses. Areas included public services such as police, fire, water and sewer, City streets and County roads, education and workforce training, health care, forest management, affordable housing, tourism, arts, and culture, environment and infrastructure. Lack of a value-added wood products industry, broadband internet, and middle-class, young, working families were determined to be in the top weaknesses, with poor transportation, telecommunications, and timber industry. Road blocks to economic development where felt to be a lack of capital, a generational dependence on company and government, and an overall resistance to change within the community. Included in the areas of concern were a lack of positive image of the community, both outside and from within, and a lack of value placed on education. Not much was said about positives and strength of the community. Health care and educational facilities were mentioned as assets. Story by KLCB Libby News Radio, www.todaysbestcountryonline.com

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