Economic development board discusses market in Payette County
Monday, October 2, 2006 10:21 AM PDT
Julie Engel | Argus Observer
Fruitland
Palisades Junction continues to be the most sought after ground in the county, Payette County Economic Development Director Ron Wrest said, but a problem still lies in the lack of sewer services to the site.
Wrest gave his monthly development report to the Payette County Economic Development Board at its regular meeting Wednesday at the Fruitland City Council chambers. In addition to the “tire kickers” who continue to express interest in Palisades, there were a couple other businesses that have shown interest in the county, Wrest said.
One could potentially bring 250 jobs to the area, and is the biggest project Wrest said he has worked on since he became director three years ago. It is still in the early stages, and Wrest said he would keep the board updated as the process moves forward.
“It would bring all kinds of jobs, from labor to administration,” Wrest said.
Another potential business was a saw mill in Payette, but Wrest said the property had been contaminated with oil and the investor was reluctant. They will be working on a grant to clean up the property to bring it back on line, Wrest said, and the mill could bring 20 potential jobs to the area.
“So far this month has been pretty exciting,” Wrest said.
Wrest also reported on an effort to construct a 3/8-mile race track at the Clay Peak Recreation Park. The county and Adam Nelson - the promoter who attempted to have his race track proposal outside of Fruitland approved in March - have been collaborating on the project, Wrest said. Once the county receives a financial statement from Nelson, Wrest said the Payette County Commissioners can draft a lease agreement for 25 acres at Clay Peak.
“It's coming together slowly, but we're making progress,” Wrest said.
Another fund-raising project the board is working on is a golf tournament beginning at 1 p.m. Friday at Scotch Pines Golf Club in Payette. Wrest said the event will need at least 10 teams for it to work out, and so far he has nine signed up. The entry fee is $200 per team or $50 per player, and the funds go to the Payette County Economic Development Board.
A silent auction, raffle and “mulligan” sale will also be featured, Wrest said. Golfers can buy a mulligan before hitting the links as insurance for a bad shot. A steak dinner is included with the golf entry fee, and extra tickets can be purchased for $14.95. Businesses can also sponsor tees with closest to the pin, long drive contests and team prizes.
For more information about the golf tournament, call Wrest at (208) 642-0500, or Jeannette Mayer at (208) 278-3330.
