Commerce to Award $15,000 to Bear Paw Development Corporation
The City of Havre will host the Montana Department of Commerce's Regional Economic Development Conference, August 1 - 3, at Montana State University Northern.
The conference is focused on improving coordination between local and state economic development agencies, in an effort to create more productive relationships and greater economic benefits for Montana communities.
"Strong partnerships between economic development agencies are the tracks that carry Montana's vision for economic prosperity forward," Governor Brian Schweitzer said. "Economic development agencies are crucial in helping local communities access programs and funding necessary for positive economic change."
State and federal officials, the Governor's Office of Economic Development, Commerce employees, Regional Development Officers, Certified Regional Development Corporations, area Legislators and local media have been invited to attend.
Commerce Director Anthony Preite will present Bear Paw Development Corporation with a $15,000 check for an Economic Impact Analysis Study of the Wild Horse Port-of-Entry, on Thursday, August 2, at 9:00 a.m. at MSU Northern's Applied Technology Center.
"It is critical that we examine how expanding the hours at the Wild Horse Port-of-Entry could affect the economy of the Hi-Line," Director Preite said. "Opening the Port of Wild Horse to increased commercial traffic could create an alternate trade corridor connecting Alberta to northern and eastern Montana."
The study will provide the information Montana's Congressional Delegation, the state of Montana, and our Canadian partners will need for negotiations with the Department of Homeland Security and the Canadian equivalent to make the requested changes to the Wild Horse Port-of-Entry's operational status.
WHO: Commerce Director Anthony Preite
WHAT: Present $15,000 to Bear Paw Development Corporation
WHEN: Thursday, August 2 @ 9:00 AM
Contact: Marissa Kozel, 406-841-2772, mkozel@mt.gov