The U.S. 93 bypass, Glacier Rail Park and the reconstruction of Going-to-the-Sun Road have one thing in common. All three projects were once included on the community wish lists that shaped the Flathead Valley’s comprehensive economic development strategy in years past.
Every five years, Montana West Economic Development embarks on a regional improvement plan, but it’s a process that is purely grassroots, according to Kim Morisaki, business development director for Montana West.
“This is a process meant to be open to anyone in the community,” she said. “They don’t need to know the ‘language’ of economic development. It’s an opportunity to talk about what they want for their community.”