Things are looking up on Montana’s Hi-Line

It’s probably early to call for immediate completion of a Hi-Line freeway, but economic news from Montana’s northern tier counties is uncharacteristically upbeat these days.

One bright spot appears to be the Rocky Boy’s Reservation and the Chippewa Cree Tribe, which Tuesday secured $20 million in tax credits that should make creation of a $100 million ethanol plant near Box Elder more attractive for investors.

Tribal and National Tribal Development Association officials say they are close to a deal with one such investor and that construction could begin as early as next spring.

Rocky Boy’s also is building a sprawling casino that eventually will employ 80 people, and it is in the middle of upgrading the area’s water quality and service with pipelines and a $267 million treatment plant at Lake Elwell.

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