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Regional economic-development official urges feasibility study for Enders site
Summary
Molly Desarris of the 4-County Alliance urged a feasibility study and strategic planning for the Enders property, proposed as a state park, and outlined a 12-month timeline and possible grant funding options including a Commerce grant with a 10% match.
Molly Desarris, regional director for the 4-County Alliance of Southeast Idaho, told the Soda Springs City Council on Jan. 21 that the Enders property represents a significant economic opportunity and urged the council to pursue a feasibility study and strategic plan.
Desarris described the alliance’s role in grant identification and economic planning and said an RFP/RFI would determine the cost of a feasibility and planning study. She proposed a working timeline: 0–3 months for stakeholder engagement and consultation, 3–6 months to complete a feasibility study, and 6–12 months for strategic planning—placing a completed plan roughly a year out if the initiative is funded and staffed.
Desarris said some remedial work identified in a Brownfields study is modest (she estimated mitigation at around $30,000 for minimal abatement) and that federal or state grants—such as a $50,000 Commerce grant with a 10% match—could help offset planning costs. She also noted ongoing coordination with legislators and state agencies and said that having Enders on planning documents (comprehensive plans, rail/transportation plans) helps when applying for funding.
Council members thanked Desarris for her work and discussed next steps, including identifying grant opportunities, clarifying costs, and ensuring public input sessions are part of any RFP process. Several council members expressed support for Desarris taking a leadership role in the committee that has been discussing the Enders site.
