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Regional economic group outlines broadband, workforce and loan activity to Lewiston City Council
Summary
Dodd Snodgrass, executive director of the Clearwater Economic Development Association, told the Lewiston City Council the group is supporting broadband middle-mile projects, workforce and youth programs, and a loan program and has secured federal funds and partnerships to advance regional infrastructure and projects.
Dodd Snodgrass, executive director of the Clearwater Economic Development Association, briefed the Lewiston City Council on the organization's quarterly activities and regional priorities, citing broadband middle-mile projects, workforce development and a small-business loan program as current focal points.
The presentation outlined CEDA's role as the regional economic development district and its work with federal and state partners. Snodgrass said CEDA has supported roughly $12 million in community development block grant (CDBG)-type projects since 2015, including water and wastewater improvements, fire-house and community-center projects, and park upgrades.
"We are a collaborative organization," Snodgrass said, describing the group's membership that includes Lewiston, lending institutions, engineers, Lewis-Clark State College and the Nez Perce Tribe. He added that the group is updating a comprehensive economic strategy to guide grant applications and project development.
Snodgrass described recent broadband efforts, including a $4.2 million U.S. Economic Development Administration award that helped the Port of Lewiston and an $11 million award for Idaho County middle-mile fiber. "The middle mile is the critical element that we've been missing," he said, adding that once built the backbone will enable private ISPs to expand service.
He also highlighted workforce initiatives: an early-learning outreach program that distributed about 1,200 early-learning kits, a Dream It Do It youth career conference that connects high-school students with employers, and a Clearwater Basin Youth Conservation Corps that provides paid work crew experience for high-school students. On business support, Snodgrass described a gap-financing loan program with roughly $5.5 million in capital that can make loans up to $1.5 million and offers technical assistance.
Snodgrass noted CEDA's role as a developer of buildings and facilities in smaller communities and closed by urging ongoing regional cooperation and communication as low-cost ways to improve economic outcomes.
Councilors thanked Snodgrass and mentioned CEDA's past work in the Craigmont area and on other local projects. Snodgrass said materials, including a quarterly report and the comprehensive economic strategy, are available for council review.
