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Opinion Editorials A groundwork for recovery
A groundwork for recovery
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The news coming out of the Union County Economic Summit Jan. 13 was definitely the sort people could do without. Some would say it was downright depressing. Unemployment over 9 percent. Manufacturers including Boise Cascade, Northwood Manufacturing and Barreto Manufacturing slowing production to a trickle. No sign of recovery from the recession expected until at least 2010. A dreary picture emerged, to be sure. But the very fact that the summit took place was a hopeful sign. Organized by leaders from the governments of Union County and the City of La Grande, it brought people together, presented an unvarnished picture of what they are up against and suggested a plan of action. The heart of that plan, presented by La Grande City Manager Robert Strope, County Commissioner Nellie Hibbert and Howard Perry of the Union County Economic Development Corp., is a list of public projects that may qualify for federal economic stimulus money. There were more than 100 local projects on the list by the day of the summit, and room for more. Some 94 on the list are “shovel ready,” able to begin in 60-90 days. Those ready to go to bid are the ones that stand the best chance of selection.If nothing else, the county has a head start in what will likely be fierce competition for the federal money. By this time, a final draft is on the way to legislators and appropriate state and federal agencies. Gloomy news aside, it was encouraging to know leaders are working hard to help Union County get out in front. They may not be able to solve problems like a nosediving stock market or sagging consumer confidence, but they are doing what’s possible to help people get back to work. It seems there’s reason for hope. Governments and entities across the county have submitted projects that could qualify for stimulus money. One can envision funds coming in for building improvements in the La Grande School District and at Eastern Oregon University, for major upgrades on Spruce Street and South 12th Street in La Grande, and for any number of other infrastructure projects. The more optimistic among us can imagine Union County coming out of the recession in fine shape. We can see local workers pitching in on those projects, earning a living while making improvements that will better our quality of life for decades to come. If it happens that way, we’ll be well positioned for the recovery, when it begins. We’ll all be grateful for the course that was set this winter. Strope, Hibbert, Perry and other community leaders who have been working the economic issue deserve some applause. Thanks to them, we know where we stand, and we’ve got an idea where we’re going. |
