A detailed list of proposed projects to spark economic growth in Boulder was reviewed last week by the Boulder Development Fund Board.
The board, formed to guide use of the $500,000 state economic development grant, met with Jessica Holdren of Land Solutions to review, revise and prioritize the list before submitting it to the state Department of Commerce for comment.
Projects on the list were aimed at improving the community’s appearance, creating community gathering spaces, improving pedestrian safety, marketing and promoting the community, creating and installing signs to guide visitors, expanding visitor accommodations, and expanding infrastructure to accommodate business growth.
Details in the plan, which include estimated costs, are as specific as installing trash receptacles, historic street lamps and power, bench seating, bike ramps and planters and flowers to enhance the appearance of downtown.
A proposed facade improvement program for main street buildings would create a $50,000 fund to which businesses in the heart of downtown could apply for up to $5000. The business would have to provide matching funds.
Another project would establish an $80,000 revolving fund to award low or no interest loans to local businesses.
Speakers at the meeting emphasized that the projects had to be tied to economic development and the board would need to justify that relationship.
One decision of the board removed a proposal to repurpose and rehabilitate abandoned buildings on the Montana Developmental Center campus. With no further guidance from the state about possible uses of the buildings, there is little point in working on that, the group decided.
Some of the projects could be started almost immediately while others will take longer, needing other projects to be completed first, said Holdren.
She said a draft of the project list would be submitted to the Department of Commerce late last week and posted on the project website at PlanBoulderMT.com.
The BDF board will meet again July 11 to continue its work. That meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.
