2011 off to a BIG start

One of the best indicators of economic growth and strength is "construction". When you have construction activity in your community it demonstrates confidence and a dedication to individual and business investment in your community.

Since October 18, 2010 our county commissioners have approved over $7.8 million in construction projects under our Neighborhood Revitalization Pogram. That's almost double the amount of construction projects approved under the same program from Oct. 15, 2009 to October 15, 2010.

We already have over $11 million in construction projects planned in Mitchell County, KS for this Spring. This include a $5.2 million project being undertaken by Farmway Coop for a grain storage and handling facility in Glen Elder, KS; a $2.2 million addition and remodeling project for First National Bank in Beloit, KS; remodeling the former Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility "lock down" facility into a joint city and county law enforcement center and jail; remodeling the cafeteria on the former correctional facility campus into a new library; the Crown Homes housing project that will add 10 new homes in Beloit totaling over $1.3 million in construction and several smaller commercial and residential building projects scheduled for this Spring.

It's exciting to see this magnitude of construction taking place in a county of approximatley 6,500 people. It shows a strong committment to investing in our community.

Another exciting development is the work being done by the North Campus Development Steering Committee. This is a committee made up of people from our community who will help create a plan for development of the North Campus (the former state Correctional Facility campus. The steering committee is focusing on development plans for approximtley 46 acres of agricultural land along and just south of U.S. Highway 24 in Beloit. Some of the land will be utilized for commercial growth along the highway. The committee is also looking at designating a portion of the land for additional housing.

This type of activity is a sign of positive economic growth in our community.