Around Idaho: Economic Activity in May 2022

Information provided in these news updates is from professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.

Northern Idaho
North Central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South Central Idaho
Southeastern
Eastern Idaho

 

NORTHERN IDAHO – Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai & Shoshone counties

Kootenai County

• The nonprofit urban planning and community development organization, CDA 2030, published a new “Vision and Implementation Plan” for the greater Coeur d’Alene community. The plan outlines 134 actions and recommendations related to housing, park space, conservation and other quality-of-life items for the area. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
• North Idaho College received a $524,000 grant from the Idaho Workforce Development Training Fund to support its Workforce Training Center. The grant will fund apprenticeship programs for tradespeople and heavy equipment operators in the construction industry. The goal is to help meet the region’s enormous need for construction labor. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press

Openings – Coeur d’Alene

• Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
• CDA Pet Market
• Stylus Wine & Vinyl Bar
• Integrity Mental Health
• CaterCDA
• Lake City Deluxe Barbershop
• Brandon Cope Massage
• Patriot Hangout
• Sarah Hamilton FACE

Post Falls

• Auto Paint Plus
• North Idaho Urology
• St Joseph’s Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy Clinic

Hayden

• Open Arms

Sam.Wolkenhauer@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
(208) 457-8789 ext. 4451

NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO – Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce counties

Region

Employment

• North central Idaho’s April 2022 seasonally adjusted employment decreased from March 2022 by 650, or -1.3%, to 52,046. Year over year, there were 1,800 more employed individuals than in April 2021 — a 3.7% increase. The region’s April 2022 employment was 2.1% higher than in March 2020, just before the pandemic kicked into gear. Total employment for the state of Idaho was 5.4% higher than it was in March 2020. All five counties in the region had higher employment levels than before the pandemic. Percent change by county from March 2020 was Idaho +5.1%, Lewis +3.7%, Nez Perce +2.4%, Clearwater +1.3% and Latah +0.8%.

Unemployment

• April’s seasonally adjusted unemployment increased by 7% from March to 1,327 but was a 38% decrease from April 2021. North central Idaho had 1.7 postings for every unemployed person in April 2022, compared with 1.8 in March 2022 and 1.2 in April 2021.

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• A wetter-than-normal April and May created temporary disruptions for seasonal employment, especially in the agriculture, logging/forestry and construction industries. The region’s average weekly new unemployment claims were down 59% year over year, from 98 per week in April 2021 to 40 per week this year. Continuing unemployment claims were down 48% year over year to a weekly average of 260 compared with 501 in April 2021. Source: Department of Labor
• Starting in July 2022, University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College are two of 200 schools nationally that will participate in the Second Chance Pell Experiment. This program was designed for incarcerated people to earn credentials, certificates or college degrees and to gain employment once they leave prison. New opportunities from the program will be in addition to University of Idaho’s ongoing ‘Inside Out Program’ and LCSC’s non-credit welding classes through its workforce training program at Idaho Correctional Institution-Orofino. Since the program was established in 2015, Second Chance Pell Experiment recipients have been awarded 9,000+ credentials. Source: Lewiston Tribune, Lewis-Clark State College, U.S. Dept of Education
• In May 2022, communities in north central Idaho region were awarded five of 18 statewide Idaho Community Development Block Grants, including:
  • Moscow – Purchase of new pumper fire engine – $335,000.
  • Elk River – Wastewater system improvements – $500,000.
  • Craigmont – Wastewater system improvements – $500,000.
  • Winchester – Wastewater treatment plant replacement – $500,000.
  • Grangeville – Water tank and new municipal well – $500,000.

Source:  Idaho Commerce

Openings

• Sterling Urgent Care is opening an urgent care clinic in Lewiston. The company currently operates locations in Idaho Falls, Burley, Hailey and Chubbuck along with northern Utah and Wyoming. Source: Lewiston Tribune

Closures

• Leon’s School of Hair Design will close its Moscow location in June 2022 after 52 years in business. The Lewiston location closed in 2021. Source: Moscow-Pullman Daily News
• Stax, a local sandwich shop, is closing its Lewiston location in June after nearly six years in operation. Stax will continue operating its original Moscow location. Source: Stax

Lisa.Grigg@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 799-5000 ext. 3849

SOUTHWESTERN IDAHO – Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley & Washington Counties

Regional

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated 18 of Idaho’s 44 counties as primary natural disaster areas due to the drought. Designated counties include Boise, Elmore and Valley counties in southwestern Idaho. This designation allows Farm Service Agency to offer emergency loans to agricultural producers needing to replace equipment or livestock, reorganize a farm operation or refinance specific debt. Source: Capital Press
• Housing prices continue to soar in southwestern Idaho, with the median home sold price rising in all 10 counties, with growth ranging from 2% to 50% when comparing April 2021 with April 2022. The number of single-family homes sold in April decreased by almost 10% in 2022 compared with 2021. Inventory more than doubled, causing speculation that increased mortgage interest rates are affecting sales. However, prices have staying power due in part to inflationary materials costs and rising labor wages. The total volume of April sales increased by 10% to more than $900 million in southwestern Idaho. Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service
• Online job postings for April 2022, published by Burning Glass, indicate the southwestern Idaho job market is still under high pressure, with a 9.9% increase from April 2021. Overall, the 10-county area has 11,193 unemployed individuals and 18,065 job postings — a ratio of 1.6 postings per unemployed person.

Ada County

• Boise State University resumed in-person graduation ceremonies in May with more than 20,00 people attending the 110^th commencement ceremony. Almost 2,400 students walked through Albertsons Stadium to receive their diplomas while 3,109 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students earned their degrees. Combined, the graduating class earned 3,733 degrees or certificates with 1,400 completed with honors. Source: KTVB News
• Boise-based Micron, a global manufacturer of memory chips, announced it had surpassed the 50,000 registered patents threshold. The company has been in business for 43 years and realized a record patent-granting year in 2021 at close to 2,600 patents. The number of women inventors or those working on product development teams grew by four times from 2017 to 2021. Source: Idaho Business Review
• Fisher’s Technology has acquired Terrell’s Office Solutions stores in Bozeman and Billings. The Boise-based company is 86 years old and has locations in Idaho, Montana and Washington. Fisher’s manages IT environments and sells and services copiers, printers, electronic documents, phone systems and related software solutions. Bozeman and Billings will merge their Fishers and Terrell’s store to avoid duplication. The company has not reported whether there will be layoffs from the store closures. Source: Idaho Business Review
• The Eagle Fire Department and North Ada County Fire Rescue have signed a contract to provide 24/7 staffing for the Hidden Springs Fire Station starting mid-June. This is advantageous for residents of this Census Designated Place as it falls in a wildland urban interface — a transition area between man-made subdivisions and undeveloped wildland. The area is susceptible to wildfires along with the normal risk of household fires, particularly with the current extended response times. Source: Idaho News 6
• The Idaho Department of Labor held a job fair in mid-May at the Galaxy Event Center at Wahooz in Meridian, targeted to teens and young adults. Employers from various industries participated in the recruitment effort and the department recorded about 300 job seekers. These events are spaced out over the calendar year to give employers a chance to hire and onboard new personnel. The events are held at different locations to ensure accessibility by job seekers. These events across the state are posted on the Department of Labor’s events calendar. Source: Idaho Capital Sun
• In Boise Mayor Lauren McLean’s State of the City address, she announced plans to invest $3 million in child care workforce incentive pay, using American Rescue Plan recovery funds. Another $12 million in recovery funds will be used to create and preserve affordable housing, with hopes to create 1,250 affordable homes by 2026, plus 250 homes for those families experiencing homelessness. The city will also invest $2 million in small business through United Way of Treasure Valley and $1.2 million toward new circuit breaker relief to homeowners who are elderly, widowed or have disabilities. Another $10 million of recovery funds will be applied to Boise’s geothermal energy to improve, repair and expand its heating capacity. Source: KTVB News

Canyon County

• LDK Ventures and McAlvain Construction jointly donated $5,000 to both the Vallivue School District and the Nampa School District to assist with at-risk youth. The donation was announced as ground was broken on the new warehouse/distribution park in Nampa. Source: City of Nampa
• House of Design, a Nampa engineering services company, is acquiring Go West Robotics, an independent contractor the company has worked with since 2019. Go West develops robotics software for myriad industries. House of Design works exclusively on developing construction automation. House of Design intends to consolidate its headquarters and technology center with a move to the former Macy’s store in Nampa. All 10 Go West employees will become House of Design employees, bringing its total staff up to 140 when the deal closes in June, according to the company. Source: Idaho Business Review

Elmore County

• A $75 million school bond failed to gain the supermajority needed to build a new high school in Mountain Home. Just 46% of the patrons were in favor of the bond. Source: Idaho Education News

Valley County

• Mountain Community School in McCall has 101 students enrolled for its initial class, starting next fall. The new charter school is located at Tamarack Resort near Donnelly. Source: McCall Star-News

Openings

• Fat Guy’s Fresh Deli opened in Boise under new ownership. The first restaurant continues in Meridian and is also operated by the new owner. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Nahm Thai & Burmese Cuisine opened in Boise. The owners and chef are most recently from San Francisco. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Push & Pour is opening its second coffee shop in Boise’s Bench area next to The STIL. Its first shop is in Garden City. Source: Boise Weekly
• Indian Creek in Caldwell announced the following new shops opened with more to come:
  • • Bond and Bevel, a coffee shop.
    • Rose Hill Bakery.
    • Thunder Spirit Trading Post featuring Native American art.
    • Oakes Brothers Main Street Marketplace with local artist’s shops and pop-up spaces.
    • The Cellar, marketing wine accessories.

Closures

• Petite 4 is closing its French-themed restaurant, citing pandemic-related changes for the decision. The owners will continue with Coffee & Donuts on Saturdays and the occasional summer pop-up. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Pino’s Fine Spirits and Grinders closed its doors in Boise after five years. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Hyde House coffee shop closed its two Boise locations towards the end of 2021 amid financial challenges. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Meraki Greek Street Food is closing but plans to find a new location in Boise. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Joe’s Crab Shack is closing with plans for Ling & Louie’s Asian restaurant to open in its place. The Ling & Louie franchise is owned by Rex Chandler of Chandler’s Steakhouse with an existing location in Meridian. Remodeling will move the restaurant opening to 2023. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Locavore Restaurant in Boise’s Bown Crossing closed after 12 years, citing a range of challenges. Source: Idaho Statesman

New Construction

• Ground was broken recently on a new industrial park, Madison Logistics Center, in Nampa. The project includes three buildings at 115,000 square feet each. McAlvain Construction is the general contractor. The first building is planned to open January 2023. Source: Idaho Statesman
• A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the new Wildland Firefighter Foundation building in Boise. Source: Capital Press
• The developers of the Red River Logistics Center broke ground in Boise for Idaho’s largest speculative industrial building. The facility is just over 900,000 square feet, and construction should be complete in January 2023. Source: Idaho Press

Jan.Roeser@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 735-2500 ext. 3639

SOUTH CENTRAL IDAHO – Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka and Twin Falls counties

Blaine County

• There are more skiers, more ski resorts and increased monetary investment in amenities of ski resorts since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report from the National Ski Areas Association. Sun Valley does not release its skier numbers but said it had an excellent year. The resort representative said it met its hiring goals for the extensive winter ramp-up by investing earlier in employee housing. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• The city of Ketchum reported a bump in local option tax (LOT) collection during the first half of the fiscal year starting October 2021. The growth from the first six months of 2020-2021 was 8.5% or an extra $281,000. The city collected $1.829 million from October 2021 through March 2022. The entire LOT collection for 2020-2021 was a record $3.3 million. Proceeds are used this year for a large road maintenance and repair project. The funds are also to be used to reduce the financial impact from visitors/tourism. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• Ketchum voters did not support a local option tax for affordable housing to the degree required by law. The vote needed a super majority of two-thirds, receiving only 53%. The plan was to use the funds to preserve and create 660-980 workforce housing units over the next 10 years. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• Hailey voters voted down the bond for a new fire station. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• Bellevue voters approved a local option tax for road repair. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• The Blaine County Urban Renewal Agency (URA) is requesting bids for a mixed-use affordable housing concept in downtown Ketchum. The URA has been soliciting community input since 2018 and is now looking for a local general contractor. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• Blaine County’s property tax base surged 36% from 2021 to 2022. The 2021 assessed value was $13.9 billion compared with the 2022 assessed value of $19 billion. Both Ketchum and Sun Valley experienced $1.3 billion increases, with Ketchum’s 2022 valuation at $5.2 billion and Sun Valley’s assessment at $4.6 billion. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• Friedman Memorial Airport reopened after spending one month rehabilitating its runway, taxiway and two apron areas. Almost 10,000 tons of asphalt were removed and taken to the Blaine County Road & Bridge Department where it can be repurposed for road repairs. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• The former Ketchum City Hall was razed this month in preparation for the construction of Bluebird Village, a workforce housing development. The city offices moved out last fall and Elite Restoration carried out the demolition. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• POWER Engineers, based in Hailey, has agreed to provide board leadership, help connect engineers with pro bono projects and contribute $25,000 annually to the nonprofit Engineers Without Borders. Over the years, various staffers have participated in the program both domestically and internationally. Source: Idaho Mountain Express

Minidoka County

• Crossroads Harbor Domestic Violence Shelter purchased a new office building using a $495,000 grant. The nonprofit expanded its operations to add another eight-bed safehouse that also allows for pets, including horses. The executive director said the need has increased along with the level of violence. In 2021, there were 975 bed nights provided to victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse and 137 women and children received services. Source: Times-News

Twin Falls County

• The city of Twin Falls donated 13 bikes, with maintenance agreements, from Twin Falls Spoke and Wheel bike shop financed by a $10,000 city of Twin Falls Municipal Powers Outsource Grant. Most Valley House residents do not have access to a car. Because of the grant, a bike can be checked out with a lock for the day. Valley House serves an estimated 140 people monthly. Source: Times-News
• Twin Falls City Council and fire department officials hosted a groundbreaking for its first new fire station since the 1970s. The project is expected to be completed in 2023. Source: Times-News
• Chobani announced its commitment to the University of Idaho’s CAFÉ or Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment facility, which is to be spread across the Magic Valley. It is expected to be the nation’s largest research dairy and will lead in advancing sustainable practices in animal husbandry, milk production and food processing. Source: University of Idaho
• 1,000 Springs Mill of Buhl is growing the first hemp crop in Idaho, after it was approved by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Brad Little last April. Hemp grain is high in amino acids and fiber, among other healthy vitamins and minerals. Source: Idaho News 6

Openings

• Duck Donuts is hiring for its new store in Twin Falls. The franchise started in Duck, North Carolina, and is now international with store fronts in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Canada and Puerto Rico. Idaho is home to another shop in Meridian. Source: Duckdonuts.com and KLIX News Radio
• Boomerang Coffee Co. held a grand opening in Twin Falls. Source: Times-News
• Sweet T’s Cupcakery moved to a new location earlier this year in Twin Falls. Source: Times News

Jan.Roeser@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 735-2500 ext. 3639

SOUTHEASTERN IDAHO – Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida & Power counties

Region

• Labor force estimates for April from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program for southeastern Idaho showed slight decreases in labor force participants, total employment and the unemployed from the previous month. Preliminary estimates for April 2022 saw a decline of 2,368 labor force participants from the previous month after seasonal adjustments. The number of unemployed in this seven-county region decreased by just 43. Total employment declined by 2,325. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.5% but was over a percentage point less than April 2021’s rate.

• There were an estimated 1,027 job postings in the southeastern region between April 20, 2022, and May 19, 2022, according to Burning Glass data from the Conference Board. Of these postings, 707 were in Bannock County, 168 in Bingham County, 55 in Power County, 49 in Franklin County, 28 in Caribou County, 10 in Bear Lake County and 10 in Oneida County. The top 10 most common occupations by job posting include those in transportation and material moving; retail sales; computer and mathematical; health care and social assistance; and food services.

• Health care and social assistance was back at the top of industries by largest share of job postings. Services continue to be the overall driver of job postings with health care and social assistance, retail trade, accommodation and food services, educational services and others representing most open positions in the region.

• Burning Glass’s data from the Conference Board indicates that the hardest-to-fill jobs are concentrated in education and training; design; media and writing; law; compliance and public safety; and information technology occupations.

• Despite all of April’s precipitation, eastern Idaho remains in some form of drought according to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, impacting area farmers and residents alike. The Yellowstone area is experiencing the worst drought conditions in the region, being in an extreme drought designation (D3), with the rest of the region being in moderate (D1) or severe (D2). Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
• Farmers in several eastern Idaho counties are eligible for special loan assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency due to recent drought-related disaster declarations. These counties include Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton.
• The Idaho National Laboratory announced it was looking for field demonstration partners. These partners will help investigate how regional hydropower operators can integrate industrial-scale energy storage to make plants capable of providing local emergency power during blackouts. Source: Idaho Business Review
• Battelle Energy Alliance, which manages the Idaho National Laboratory, donated $1 million to the College of Eastern Idaho to help fund a 40,000-square-foot tech education facility. Upon completion, the “Future Tech Building” will serve around 1,000 students a year and house industry-aligned curriculum at the college. Source: Idaho Education News, East Idaho News
• Custer, Fremont and Lemhi counties will receive increases in federal funds aimed at supporting rural schools and roads through the Secure Rural Schools program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The combined counties will see an additional $400,000 in funding through the program. Source: Post Register
• Salmon offices of the Salmon-Challis National Forest have re-opened for visitors and the public. Source: KIFI Local News 8
• Two unanticipated shutdowns occurred this year at the Integrated Waste Treatment Unit, a nuclear waste treatment plant located within the U.S. Department of Energy’s eastern Idaho site. Because of these setbacks, the department continues to pay fines to the state for missing a deadline to convert the waste as stipulated in a 1995 agreement. Source: Idaho State Journal
• The College of Eastern Idaho was selected as a finalist among 10 community colleges across the country for a $1 million grant to support brand building and marketing. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory continue to develop a new chemical-based method to recycle electronic waste. Their hope is that the E-Recov system will keep a lot of electronics-based waste collected in the United States within the country instead of sending it overseas for processing. Source: KIFI Local News 8
• Entrances to Yellowstone National Park are open for the season. Source: KIFI Local News 8

Bonneville County

• Idaho Falls Power completed its Paine Substation project after 14 years, which was part of a larger $20 million project to enhance its services and prepare for anticipated growth. Source: Post Register
• The Idaho Falls Regional Airport saw a record-setting volume of passengers in the first quarter of 2022, with 105,944 passing through their terminal. This surpassed the previous quarterly record set in 2019 by 37% and is due in part to redirected travel while the Jackson Hole Airport in Wyoming undergoes needed repairs. Source: KIFI Local News 8
• The city of Idaho Falls announced it will be replacing its 85-year-old water tower with a larger capacity one. Construction is expected to begin in fall of 2022 and last for two years. Source: KIFI Local News 8
• The 27^th Annual Mountain Brewers’ Beer Fest will return to Idaho Falls on June 4 this year, with many nationally recognized brewers attending to showcase their products and compete for awards. Source: Idaho State Journal
• The Idaho Falls Farmers Market returned for the 2022 season, with many local vendors in attendance. Source: KIFI Local News 8
• The Spring Fair returned to Idaho Falls, with games and rides for all ages and many local food and craft vendors. Source: KIFI Local News 8
• The city of Idaho Falls has adopted impact fees to help meet challenges growth has had on public services and utilities. Developers and not existing businesses and homeowners will pay these one-time fees when a building permit is issued. Fees will vary by the size of the new development, cost of implementation and impact to surrounding areas. Source: Post Register

Madison County

• The city of Rexburg approved a replat application from the owners of a two-building complex who hope to convert the student housing into 32 condominium units. Source: Idaho Business Review

Teton County

• Award-winning Grand Teton Distillery in Driggs plans to build a new facility including an expanded tasting room amid growing sales. Source: Idaho State Journal
• The city of Driggs looks to introduce voluntary water conservation measures amid the ongoing drought and recent news of groundwater leaking into one of the city springs. Source: Idaho State Journal
• The city of Driggs broke ground for the Depot Square Low Income Housing Tax Credit project. Upon completion, the building will open 34 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment units for individuals making between 30%-60% of the area’s median income. Thirty units will be deed-restricted and rent rates adjustable based upon each tenant’s income. Source: Teton Valley News
• Broulim’s paused its development of a proposed 20,000 square feet Victor store location after delays stemming from a lawsuit challenging a recent rezoning decision by the Victor City Council. Source: KIFI Local News 8

Matthew.Paskash@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 236-6710 ext. 4249

EASTERN IDAHO – Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison & Teton counties

Region

• Labor force estimates for April from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program showed little difference in employment and labor force participation from April in eastern Idaho. There was a slight decrease in unemployment. Seasonally adjusted, April’s preliminary estimates show the nine-county region lost 199 labor force participants from March while the number of unemployed decreased by 137. Total employment decreased by 62. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 2.1% from March but was more than a percentage point below its value of 3.2% a year prior.

• There were an estimated 1,698 job postings in eastern Idaho between April 20, 2022, and May 19, 2022, according to Burning Glass data from the Conference Board. Of these postings, 1,314 were in Bonneville County, 135 in Madison County, 71 in Lemhi County, 58 in Jefferson County, 46 in Teton County, 39 in Fremont County, 20 in Butte County, 14 in Custer County and one in Clark County. The top 10 most common occupations by job posting included sales and related occupations; transportation and material moving; health care practitioners; and management.

• Health care and social assistance remains the largest industry in terms of job postings. Dominant sectors hiring in the eastern region include public administration; retail trade; accommodation and food services; and educational services.

• Burning Glass’s data from the Conference Board indicates that the hardest-to fill-jobs range from arts; design; entertainment; sports and media; architecture and engineering; and sales.

• • Despite all of April’s precipitation, eastern Idaho remains in some form of drought according to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, impacting area farmers and residents alike. The Yellowstone area is experiencing the worst drought conditions in the region, being in an extreme drought designation (D3), with the rest of the region being in moderate (D1) or severe (D2). Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
  • Farmers in several eastern Idaho counties are eligible for special loan assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency due to recent drought-related disaster declarations. These counties include Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton.
  • The Idaho National Laboratory announced it was looking for field demonstration partners. These partners will help investigate how regional hydropower operators can integrate industrial-scale energy storage to make plants capable of providing local emergency power during blackouts. Source: Idaho Business Review
  • Battelle Energy Alliance, which manages the Idaho National Laboratory, donated $1 million to the College of Eastern Idaho to help fund a 40,000-square-foot tech education facility. Upon completion, the “Future Tech Building” will serve around 1,000 students a year and house industry-aligned curriculum at the college. Source: Idaho Education News, East Idaho News
  • Custer, Fremont and Lemhi counties will receive increases in federal funds aimed at supporting rural schools and roads through the Secure Rural Schools program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The combined counties will see an additional $400,000 in funding through the program. Source: Post Register
  • Salmon offices of the Salmon-Challis National Forest have re-opened for visitors and the public. Source: KIFI Local News 8
  • Two unanticipated shutdowns occurred this year at the Integrated Waste Treatment Unit, a nuclear waste treatment plant located within the U.S. Department of Energy’s eastern Idaho site. Because of these setbacks, the department continues to pay fines to the state for missing a deadline to convert the waste as stipulated in a 1995 agreement. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • The College of Eastern Idaho was selected as a finalist among 10 community colleges across the country for a $1 million grant to support brand building and marketing. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • Researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory continue to develop a new chemical-based method to recycle electronic waste. Their hope is that the E-Recov system will keep a lot of electronics-based waste collected in the United States within the country instead of sending it overseas for processing. Source: KIFI Local News 8
  • Entrances to Yellowstone National Park are open for the season. Source: KIFI Local News 8

  Bonneville County

  • Idaho Falls Power completed its Paine Substation project after 14 years, which was part of a larger $20 million project to enhance its services and prepare for anticipated growth. Source: Post Register
  • The Idaho Falls Regional Airport saw a record-setting volume of passengers in the first quarter of 2022, with 105,944 passing through their terminal. This surpassed the previous quarterly record set in 2019 by 37% and is due in part to redirected travel while the Jackson Hole Airport in Wyoming undergoes needed repairs. Source: KIFI Local News 8
  • The city of Idaho Falls announced it will be replacing its 85-year-old water tower with a larger capacity one. Construction is expected to begin in fall of 2022 and last for two years. Source: KIFI Local News 8
  • The 27^th Annual Mountain Brewers’ Beer Fest will return to Idaho Falls on June 4 this year, with many nationally recognized brewers attending to showcase their products and compete for awards. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • The Idaho Falls Farmers Market returned for the 2022 season, with many local vendors in attendance. Source: KIFI Local News 8
  • The Spring Fair returned to Idaho Falls, with games and rides for all ages and many local food and craft vendors. Source: KIFI Local News 8
  • The city of Idaho Falls has adopted impact fees to help meet challenges growth has had on public services and utilities. Developers and not existing businesses and homeowners will pay these one-time fees when a building permit is issued. Fees will vary by the size of the new development, cost of implementation and impact to surrounding areas. Source: Post Register

  Madison County

  • The city of Rexburg approved a replat application from the owners of a two-building complex who hope to convert the student housing into 32 condominium units. Source: Idaho Business Review

  Teton County

  • Award-winning Grand Teton Distillery in Driggs plans to build a new facility including an expanded tasting room amid growing sales. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • The city of Driggs looks to introduce voluntary water conservation measures amid the ongoing drought and recent news of groundwater leaking into one of the city springs. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • The city of Driggs broke ground for the Depot Square Low Income Housing Tax Credit project. Upon completion, the building will open 34 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment units for individuals making between 30%-60% of the area’s median income. Thirty units will be deed-restricted and rent rates adjustable based upon each tenant’s income. Source: Teton Valley News
  • Broulim’s paused its development of a proposed 20,000 square feet Victor store location after delays stemming from a lawsuit challenging a recent rezoning decision by the Victor City Council. Source: KIFI Local News 8

Matthew.Paskash@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 236-6710 ext. 4249