For nearly two years, establishing a regional economic development port authority has been discussed in Glacier County. Members of the Browning Community Development Corporation (BCDC) have convinced the Glacier County Commissioners the idea is worth developing. Newly elected Cut Bank Mayor Joni Stewart agrees with BCDC officials and during a meeting between the county commissioners and BCDC officials on Monday, Jan. 9 asked that the City of Cut Bank be included in the proposed regional port authority.
BCDC members Don Barcus, and Joe and Rose Bremner met with the county commissioners on Monday to ask them to formally enter into a resolution with the Town of Browning to develop a port authority. Stewart, who also serves as the Executive Director of GAIN Development, Inc., believes “a regional port authority is a very effective vehicle to create and sustain development on a countywide basis.” She also attended the meeting and presented a written request to the county and BCDC stating, “The City of Cut Bank would like to be included in the development and support of a regional port authority.” Neither the county commissioners nor the BCDC officials had any objections to Stewart's request.
BCDC officials said it is time for Cut Bank and Browning to work together for the betterment of the entire county. It was pointed out that the economies of both communities are interdependent on each other. “We'll never get ahead if we keep dragging this stuff behind us,” commented BCDC's Joe Bremner.
“In the long run, this will be much better,” added Don Barcus, also of the BCDC.
Both the BCDC and GAIN agreed there has been “animosity” between the east and west ends of the county as well as “feelings of exclusion” but they agreed the regional port authority may be the vehicle to bring both ends of the county together and promote economic development of Glacier County.
The primary purpose of a port authority is to “promote, stimulate, develop and advance the general welfare, commerce, economic development, and prosperity of its jurisdiction...”
The BCDC is currently working to facilitate a partnership with the Town of Browning and the Blackfeet Tribe on an urban renewal/tax increment plan. BCDC officials pointed out “the Blackfeet Reservation, which makes up 90 percent of Glacier County, borders Glacier National Park and with the Blackfeet culture, has enormous potential for tourism services... Unlike many rural communities, the Blackfeet Reservation community does not have to worry about out migration of its population. This population is young and growing, providing a large work and consuming force that will need more local services and goods.”
It was agreed to by those attending Monday's meeting that the regional port authority office, once established, would be located in Browning.
The Glacier County Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to develop a resolution with the Town of Browning and City of Cut Bank to create a regional port authority, based on Title VII, Part 14, Chapter 11 of the Montana State Codes. A draft of the resolution will be presented to the county commissioners no later than Jan. 21. Not only the county, but also the Town of Browning and City of Cut Bank must formally adopt the draft.
Since the regional port authority does not intend to seek additional funding from the local governments, the creation of the port authority does not require voter approval.
Home