State economic council plans for future growth

The state’s economic advisory council has been meeting in Pocatello this week, coming up with a road map for Idaho’s economic future.

Those state economic leaders said much of the plan draws it’s inspiration from from the local region.

“What we’ve done here in southeastern Idaho and Pocatello and Bannock County is really a shining example, and we’ve really shown leadership throughout the state in how to go about economic development,” Economic Advisory Council member Arlen Wittrock said.

State Department of Commerce Director Jeff Sayer said what’s likely to be eastern Idaho’s key industry for growth is building a foundation right now.

“There’s a technology community here in eastern Idaho that’s forming and developing all up and down the eastern Idaho corridor that not everyone is aware of,” Sayer said.

The council has big plans for the state in general, and east Idaho in particular but that economic growth likely won’t come in leaps and bounds.

Sayer’s plan is slow and steady.

“A lot of people would view that as too fast, or not investing in things too fast. But the reality is we’re doing it very methodically and carefully to make sure that what we have is a lasting foundation,” Sayer said.

Along with some economic successes in the area, there have been disappointments, like Hoku’s recent layoffs and financial troubles.

But the economic council said don’t count Hoku out just yet, and that there’s still life left in that polysilicon plant.

“Within a matter of months of getting through the financial process and getting the restructuring done, we think they can be in operation. Now that might be a year or two or three,” Wittrock said.