Resolution 4145 - Adopt Overall Economic Development PlanRESOLUTION NO. 4145
A RESOLUTION ENDORSING AND ADOPTING THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE
1994 OVERALL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN UPDATE.
WHEREAS, the Overall Economic Development Plan is a locally
initiated planning process designed to create employment
opportunities, foster more stable and diversified local economies,
improve local conditions, identify community facilities and
infrastructure needs, and provide a mechanism for guiding and
coordinating the efforts of local individuals and organizations
concerned with the economic development of their area; and
WHEREAS, the Overall Economic Development Plan Update 1994
describes the area's Overall Economic Development Program and
charts the course of development action by examining the problems,
needs and resources for the area and sets forth the goals of the
development program, together with the strategy devised to achieve
these goals; and
WHEREAS, public participation was solicited to ensure
representation throughout the Flathead Valley area; and
WHEREAS, the goals and strategies of the 1994 Update were
prepared by individual committees and have taken into consideration
the diversification of the country's economy; and
WHEREAS, the course of action also takes into consideration
past development efforts, the area's economy, the potential for
economic development in developing the strategies necessary for
financing and management in the major areas outlined in the 1994
Update; and
WHEREAS, since the publication of the 1994 OEDP document,
certain additional projects have been identified for inclusion into
an updated version of the plan. Those specific projects include:
Central Business District Parking Improveme is - A
substantial shortage of off-street parking sodues
currently exists in the downtown. To stimulate economic
vitality and job expansion, additional parking spaces
must be created to make shopping convenient for the
customer and keep the downtown competitive. Acquisition
of land, site improvements and construction of a parking
garage will require substantial capital expenditures from
a variety of funding sources.
Equity Supply Relocation -- The farmer's cooperative
recognizes the need to upgrade their facilities. They
also recognize the location of grain elevators in the
heart of the downtown is no longer the highest and best
use for their property nor for the downtown. Their board
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Is exploring options to relocate northeast of Kalispell
in a more industrial setting along existing railroad
tracks. The relocation would require new rail siding,
access roads, sewer and water systems, and demolition/
relocation of existing buildings and equipment.
Financing of the infrastructure improvements will be a
critical component of making this prime land available in
the CBD for expansion of retail goods and services
stimulating new jobs.
Track Removal - A spur line of Burlington Northern
Railroad currently runs east -west through the heart of
the CBD. Several major redevelopment projects are on
hold or seeking other locations because of the barrier
the tracks present in the expansion of retail and
services. The City is willing to assist in the
relocation of businesses served by the spur line and
removal of the track. Additional funding sources are
needed to facilitate the removal of this barrier to
economic and job stimulation.
Kalispell Center Mall - This major retail complex has
proven to be a highly effective and profitable UDAG
project, and is in need of additional room for expansion
of major anchor tenants, retail specialty shops and
convention facilities and rooms at Cavanaugh's Inn at the
Center. To facilitate the expansion of jobs and retail,
land is necessary for buildings and parking. Currently,
the Burlington Northern Railroad spur line presents a
barrier to the expansion and will need to be removed to
stimulate the multi -million dollar project.
Kalispell Market Place - This highly visible and
succepsful EDA project can achieve even greater success
with the track removal. Additional land could be better
utilized for retail expansion and off• -street parking.
Fred Meyer Complex - This long time retail anchor is in
need of additional room for expansion and upgrading of
facilities. Currently, their site is landlocked and any
expansion would require major land assemblage and
infrastructure improvements. Without the assistance of
redevelopment funds, the complex will probably lose its
presence in Kalispell.
NOW THEREFORE let it be resolved that the City of Kalispell
hereby commends the OEDP 1994 Update Committees and endorses and
adopts the goals and objectives of the 1994 Update as they relate
to the City of Kalispell, Montana and to the Flathead Valley area.
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PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR OF THE CITY OF
KALISPELL THIS 2� 1 st DAY OF March r
Dougl D. Rauther Mayor
ATTEST:
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Amy H. Robertson
Finance Director
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