Weippe Discovery Center dedicated

U.S. Senator Larry Craig, Weippe Mayor Norm Steadman and project director Terri Summerfield cut the ribbon during the dedication ceremony of the Weippe Discovery Center. The new center is a part of the economic revitalization in community. Its Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center will promote tourism in the area. The new library, technology center and small business enhancement center will with business retention, expansion and development.

Deer Creek Reservoir dedicated

Rainy weather didn't stop approximately 200 people from attending the dedication of the new Deer Creek Reservoir between Pierce and Headquarters. The 80-acre reservoir is a joint effort between Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Potlatch Corporation. The reservoir was constructed for family fishing outings and is for day use.

Elk River Becomes Gem Community

Elk River is proud to be a part of the Gem Community once again. It's the desire of the members to help Elk River to grow and succeed in promoting tourism. The City Council adopted a resolution on June 8, 2004, to support the efforts of the Gem Community and their functions
 
Elk River has unlimited year-around recreation.  They can also offer a safe and peaceful environment.  The small town atmosphere and friendly residents make tourist feel welcome.
 
Elk River residents are working to revive downtown, and recruit more businesses for the area.  They are working closely with Clearwater Economic Development. They have several ideas on the table now.
 
We hope to see more people come to the area and discover the beauty here.

Orofino receives grant for infrastructure

City of Orofino was recently successful in being awarded a GEM Community Implementation grant to extend city infrastructure to the property line of a new Best Western Hotel being constructed by a private developers, Paul and Lee Ann Pippenger.

 

Clearwater County Economic Development, working with Clearwater Economic Development Association (Lewiston) and Clearwater Unlimited assisted the city in sponsoring and obtaining the grant. 

 

The facility will be a 49-unit hotel with conference center facilities.  The overall square footage is estimated to be 30,000-35,000. The structure will be a three-story building with an architectural style similar to the Salmon Rapids Lodge in Riggins.  It will be located on the north side of the Clearwater River and (approx. 1/2 mile) east of the Orofino Bridge.

 

Benefits to the community of Orofino are anticipated to be immediate with the availability of distance reservation bookings through the Best Western hotel chain. Orofino will likely be visited by travelers that only utilize major hotels in their travels.  According to a feasibility study, 4.5 million people travel across U.S. Highway 12 each year five percent of which identify Orofino as their destination. 

Improvements to the aesthetics of the community have already been made.  The site was a waste collection site for old/demolished cars and other metallic refuse.  The developer has removed approximately 250 car bodies and thousand of old tires. Through the clean-up efforts the property, which is located adjacent to the Clearwater River confluence with Orofino Creek, aesthetics of the community have been greatly improved from the view of drivers as they travel US Hwy 12.

Through this proposal a private - public partnership is being enhanced.  The private developer has provided the funds to acquire City easement from Camas Prairie Rail Net as a good faith measure and to enhance the City's ability to garner the necessary easements.  This partnership will build upon an existing relationship and provide continued incentive for private investment in the community of Orofino.

 

The direct economic impacts anticipated to occur with the development of a Best Western hotel facility in Orofino are: the establishment of 15-20 new jobs in the community depending upon occupancy; in addition, the new revenue generation of local property tax will benefit the community.

 

The facility brings a conference center and indoor swimming pool to the area.  Orofino and the Clearwater Valley region have missed opportunities for conferences, sports tournaments, tours, and large group meetings due to lack of proper facilities in which to house the groups.  Having this Best Western facility will open to the door to bringing in such events.

 

Indirectly, the expected payroll will trickle throughout the community as employees spend earnings. Hotel guests are also expected to add funds to the local economy, which could be significant when conferences are held at the facility.  Additionally, construction workers hired to build the facility will add funds to the local economy.

 

Horizons program to aid in county

 

In March 2004, Elk River, Orofino and Kamiah were named as 3 of 12 small, rural communities to join Horizon, an innovative leadership development program designed to help reverse economic and population decline.

 

The Horizon program consists of a leadership training process that is custom-designed for each community.  It provides the community with a "community coach" who will help community members to strategize on how to involve many sectors of the community and help community members identify poverty and how to do something about it.  The community coach will also collect valuable demographic data, economic information, and analysis of leadership and community organizations. Ken Cohen has been hired to fill that position.  

New Briefs Archive

Orofino Business Center Ribbon Cutting

Riverside Independent Water District construction

Orofino Municipal Airport improvements

Orofino Business Center Lease Signing

Clearwater Valley Hospital ER expansion