EDA reports gap-lending funds, workforce housing study and meat-processing site study

Leslie Curley, speaking for the Economic Development Authority, said the EDA currently has "a little over a $100,000 available" in a gap-lending program to help close financing gaps for businesses and is in discussions with three potential enterprises seeking financing. Curley said the EDA recently secured a grant to conduct a workforce housing assessment focused on Page County and has allocated funds to develop concept designs for an EDA-owned property intended to address workforce housing needs.

Curley also described progress on an agricultural subcommittee studying a regional meat-processing facility; she said a site in the town of Shenandoah has been identified and the project is in the study phase and would likely transition to private investors once the site is acquired. Curley said the facility would serve farmers in Page County and the Shenandoah Valley.

Councilors asked about job creation estimates and site specifics; Curley said early phases will vary, there will be no on-site slaughtering at first and the focus will be on processing and secondary products. The EDA said it will follow up with more specifics as studies and design work progress.