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Bonner County to administer $16,000 Idaho EDPRO grant; Ponderay Economic Partnership to provide local match and services
Summary
Bonner County accepted a $16,000 FY 2026 Rural Idaho Economic Development Professional grant from the Idaho Department of Commerce, administered as a pass-through to the Ponderay Economic Partnership, which will provide an $8,000 local match and serve as the county’s local economic development organization.
Bonner County commissioners voted Sept. 23 to accept and administer a $16,000 Rural Idaho Economic Development Professional (EDPRO) grant from the Idaho Department of Commerce for fiscal year 2026 and to designate the Ponderay Economic Partnership (POEP) as the county’s local economic development organization under the program.
The county’s packet explained the grant is a pass-through administered by the county on behalf of POEP, which will provide the required $8,000 local match; staff stated there is no fiscal obligation to county funds for the match. Brent Baker, executive director of POEP, described the nonprofit’s services, including free business counseling for veterans, grant navigation, and connecting local businesses to state and federal resources. Baker invited commissioners to a summit this Thursday (registration 08:30; first presentation 09:15; fee $89) to explain POEP’s work.
Commissioners asked whether the county bears any financial responsibility; staff replied the county’s role is limited to administration and that POEP, the grantee, is responsible for the local match. A motion to approve Resolution No. 2025-60, authorizing acceptance and administration of the grant for POEP, passed by roll call.
Public comment included questions about summit logistics and registration; Baker provided the event website (pepidaho.org) and typical schedule. The board directed staff to ensure appropriate documentation and reporting will follow Idaho Department of Commerce requirements.
