Around Idaho: Economic Activity, December 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

• Northern Idaho ended the year with labor demand still at elevated levels amid pressing labor shortages. Job posting data from The Conference Board’s Help Wanted OnLine data series showed nearly 21,000 job postings in the Coeur d’Alene metro area in 2022 – a significant increase over past years. The year ended with over 3,500 unfilled jobs in the region.
• A 26,000-square-foot facility for Hayden Surgery Center is under construction in Hayden. The facility will include an orthopedic urgent care, physical therapy office and an outpatient surgery center with four operating rooms. The surgery center is scheduled to open in September.

Openings

• Bruchi’s (Post Falls)
• Berry Bay Smoothies (Hayden)
• Vantage Point Brewing (Coeur d’Alene)
• Caliber Collision (Post Falls)
• Beer One (Coeur d’Alene)
• Milan Laser Hair Removal (Post Falls)
• Incyte Diagnostics (Post Falls)
• Alpine Auto & Off Road Repair (Post Falls)

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

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

• The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality awarded nearly $60 million in construction grants to 11 drinking water and wastewater systems throughout Idaho, including $25 million awarded to six projects in five cities in the north central region. Regional grant recipients included Lewiston at $7.3 million, Kooskia at $6.1 million, Genesee at $5.5 million (two projects), Craigmont at $5.2 million and Juliaetta at $1.7 million. The funding for the six projects includes three new projects (Craigmont, Kooskia, Genesee) and coverage of cost overruns for three existing projects (Lewiston, Juliaetta, Genesee). Source: Lewiston Tribune, KID News Radio
• The Lewis-Clark Valley Healthcare Foundation approved 15 grant requests totaling $815,000 to help promote health and wellness and disease prevention within the foundation’s service area. North central Idaho accounted for 12 of the awards, ranging in amount from $25,000-$100,000. Recipients include Snake River Community Clinic, CHAS Health, Nimiipuu Health, Suicide Prevention of the Inland Northwest, Kamiah Food Bank, Idaho Foodbank North Central Food Pantries, Lewis-Clark/Moscow St. Vincent DePaul, Backyard Harvest, Northwest Children’s Home and Clearwater Quick Response Unit. Source: Lewis-Clark Valley Healthcare Foundation

Nez Perce

• Pinecrest Academy will open for the 2023-2024 school year as Lewiston’s first charter school and will focus on STEAM curriculum. It is currently enrolling up to 240 students in K-5 with plans to expand to 8th grade and add one grade level each additional year through 12th grade. Pinecrest Academy opened its first Idaho charter school in Twin Falls in 2020 and currently enrolls 254 students in K-8. Source: Lewiston Tribune
• The Lewiston City Council agreed to waive $26,000 in plan review and permit fees for Thomas Development Company as it builds eight two-bedroom apartment units along Bryden Avenue for low-income residents age 55+. Thomas Development has built 177 units within three prior developments in Lewiston (Seapointe, Tullamore and Turnberry at Village Green) with a focus on providing affordable housing for seniors and people with disabilities. Source: Lewiston Tribune, Thomas Development
• Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises increased its starting wage in December 2022 to $15 per hour, representing an 18% annual increase from the $12.72 posted in November 2021. The Nez Perce Tribe is one of the top 10 employers in Nez Perce County. Source: Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises
• The Idaho Transportation Department is currently seeking 20 participants for its Idaho Career Opportunities – Next in Construction (ICONIC) workforce development program in Lewiston. The training program will run from April 17 through May 19. Main skills taught in the course include heavy equipment operation, cement masonry, carpentry, truck driving and mechanics. Enrollees must be ages 18+, have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a drug test. Housing assistance is offered for out-of-region attendees. Source: ITD
• American Cruise Lines has committed to pay for a new dock at the Port of Lewiston to accommodate one cruise ship berth while the Port of Lewiston will be responsible for establishing the ground infrastructure including roads, utilities and a parking lot. The Port of Lewiston has applied for a matching grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to cover the $5 million construction cost. Cruise ships currently visiting the Lewis-Clark Valley dock on the opposing side of the Snake River at the Port of Clarkston, but there is not enough space to accommodate all the near-term forecasted growth. The three cruise ship companies docking in the Lewis-Clark Valley brought 16,000 passengers in 2022 and are projected to surpass that significantly in 2023 with 24,000 passengers. Source: Lewiston Tribune

Idaho County

• St. Mary’s Health in Cottonwood opened its new 3,000-square-foot emergency room department, separate from its main facility, increasing patient capacity, privacy and safety and improving ambulance access. Source: St. Mary’s Health
• The Grangeville City Council approved a $1.4 million bid to construct a new 150,000-gallon water tank to serve city residents. Source: Idaho County Free Press

Latah County

• After nearly two years of renovation, the new full-size Palouse Ice Rink in Moscow has opened its new location and will be offering community activities such as public skating, hockey, curling, figure skating and educational “Science on Ice” programs. The ice season typically spans from October through April, but the facility can be used in the summer for roller skating, roller derby and roller hockey. Source: Lewiston Tribune

Lewis County

• Lewis County signed a contract with Arnzen Construction of Cottonwood to build the new livestock fair building in time for the September 2023 fair. The previous building collapsed under heavy snow in January 2022. Source: Lewiston Tribune

Openings

• JusCause clothing boutique opened in Lewiston. Source: JusCause
• Ethos Fitness opened in Cottonwood after previously being located in Grangeville. Source: Idaho County Free Press, Ethos
• Blue Bird Daycare and Preschool is opening a second location in Cottonwood along with its existing location in Grangeville. Blue Bird is currently hiring staff at both locations. Source: Blue Bird Daycare
• B’s Bakery, a home-based creator of custom cakes and cupcakes, will open a storefront in downtown Lewiston in February 2022. Source: B’s Bakery

Closings

• Grazing Hills Alpaca Ranch in Viola, ID. Source: Grazing Hills

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

• November online job postings declined by 13.5% from November 2021 with 14,000 postings. The occupations with the most job postings continue to be registered nurses with 761 job postings, software developers with 352 job postings and heavy and tractor trailer truck drivers at 157 postings. Boise and Meridian were the source of 28% of the regional job postings for November. Source: Burning Glass
• The National Science Foundation awarded $5 million to a higher education consortium made up of Boise State University, College of Southern Idaho and College of Western Idaho to encourage engineering and computer science education in Idaho. The grant will serve to fill the pipeline for STEM occupations in demand and in alignment with the consortium’s goal of recruiting, retaining and graduating low-income and high achieving students across Idaho. Boise State pointed out this is one of the largest grants awarded to provide scholarships for STEM programs in Idaho. Source: Idaho Business Review

Ada County

• The Intermountain Multiple Listing Service reported Ada County’s median price for November homes sales dropped exactly a year ago for the first time in more than seven years, driven primarily by existing home sales. Eagle, northeast Boise and northwest Boise lead with the highest median prices across the Treasure Valley. Source: Intermountain MLS and Idaho Statesman
• Livability released its latest list of ‘Top Places to Live’ that ranked Boise 35th among the 2,300 cities. The top 100 are selected based on response data. Boise ranked No. 1 in 2019 and placed 35th, 24th and 35th in the years following. Madison, Wisconsin, gained top ranking for 2022. The organization that compiles the data cited education, demographics and infrastructure affecting Boise’s descent in the ranks. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Ada County Commissioners approved $697,600 from the federal COVID-19 relief funding to retain downtown Boise hotel rooms availability for those experiencing homelessness through the winter. This occurred as Interfaith Sanctuary, a temporary shelter nonprofit organization, estimated they tapped out Idaho Housing and Finance Association relief funding for this purpose. The organization coordinated the retention of hotel rooms to compensate for its lack of space at its current facility to accommodate all those in need of shelter at night. Source: Idaho Press
• Roaring Springs is expanding its water park in Meridian. The new amenities are for both children and adults, starting with ‘the world’s first and only potato tipping bucket’ that dumps water on those below once it reaches capacity. Class Five Canyon provides whitewater waves for kick boarders, while Critter Crossing is a pool with water basketball, lily pads and other activities. By next summer, there will be 16 new cabanas and the Geyser Bar and Grill, offering alcoholic drinks to park guests for the first time. There will be four more phases, with this first phase doubling the size of the park. Source: Idaho News 6

Canyon County

• Northwest Nazarene University announced it is starting an accredited Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, launching August 2023. The program will specialize in semiconductor technology to support national investment in the industry. The first year’s program is expected to attract 20 students. Funding from the National Science Foundation is promoting development of this workforce and its needed education. Source: Idaho Business Review
• The Lactalis cheese manufacturing plant opened a retail store attached to its plant named “Cultured by Lactalis.” The store is currently open Friday afternoons with plans to expand availability depending on demand. It is selling the various cheese products directly to the public, specializing in mozzarella products and marscarpone, an Italian cream cheese. Whey protein powder is also available and locally produced. Source: Idaho Press and https://lactalisamericangroup.com/.

Elmore County

• A high-end RV park and storage facility has been approved in Mountain Home based on the Mountainbound Custom Storage & RV Park in Lake Havasu, Nevada. The owner is expanding to Idaho with plans to locate near I-84. There will be custom options available such as sound systems, car lifts and furnishings. A plethora of amenities will include a swimming pool, spa, fitness center, community fire pit, tennis court, pickle ball court, dog exercise area and children’s park. Source: Idaho Business Review

Gem County

• The Corner Deli moved to a new location after 10 years, continuing to serve Emmett. The move provides a larger commercial kitchen to support catering efforts and, in 2023, a food truck offering burgers. Source: Emmett Messenger-Index

Openings

• Voodoo Cellar is a new sports bar in the space formerly occupied by Spacebar Arcade. Its genre is described by the owner as “macabre,” appealing to those seeking a “creepy New Orleans paranormal vibe.” Spacebar Arcade closed in April but hopes to reopen in 2023. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food is opening a second Meridian restaurant. There are two other restaurants in Idaho — one in Twin Falls and the other in Ammon. The chain is headquartered in Lehi, Utah. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Dave’s Hot Chicken opened its doors in Meridian. The popular franchise is based out of Pasadena, California. This is the restaurant’s first Idaho location. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Topgolf opened in Meridian and its ramp up to full employment is estimated at 200. Source: kivitv.com
• First Tech Federal Credit Union opened a newly renovated branch in Eagle with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce. The credit union moved its sole Idaho branch from its 15-year home at the HP Campus in Boise and is one of 33 across the nation. Source: Idaho Business Review
• Technology Credit Union started operations in Idaho offering an experience referred to as virtual banking. Normal financial activities are conducted via a virtual banker fulfilling most duties expected at a brick and mortar operation. Membership is open to those residing, working, attending school or worshipping in Ada and Canyon counties. Source: Idaho Business Review
• Pediatrics Clinic opened its doors in Boise offering a residency program for pediatricians, one of only two in the northwest. Full Circle Health and St. Luke’s collaborated on the clinic’s creation. The average number of pediatricians per 100,000 children nationally is 90 while Idaho’s average is closer to 40, according to the American Board of Pediatrics. Doctors tend to practice where they complete their residency, so a new clinic with a residency program could improve Idaho’s per capita pediatrician formula going forward. Source: Idaho News 6
• Sal’s Howdaj restaurant opened in Boise, offering authentic Middle Eastern food. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Brundage Mountain completed its employee housing in time for the ski season, including the renovation of a historic high school that now has eight double rooms, each with a private bathroom. The kitchen, dining, common area and 4,800-square-foot gym are shared among the 19 employees. There are plans for little homes to be built behind the dorm style accommodations for families and couples. Source: Idaho Business Review
• Amazon Air Gateway opened its new terminal at the Boise Regional Airport. Packages will be moved from planes to the 31,000-square-foot sorting area. Source: Idaho Business Review

Ground breakings

• Northside Logistics Center broke ground in Nampa. Phase one of the project brings 270,000 square feet of warehouse and distribution space to the industrial park of the same name. The space available could double after the initial phase. The builder is McAlvain Construction, the developer is LDK Ventures, and TOK Commercial is the real estate broker. Source: Idaho Business Review
• Desert Sage Health Centers broke ground on its new 30,000 square-feet clinic in Mountain Home. It is designed on a “car clinic” model. Patients can remain in the car and receive services, which is helpful to the elderly with mobility issues, those with young children and those that do not want to be exposed to other patients that could potentially share their infection or disease. The clinic serves the Mountain Home, Grand View and Glenns Ferry communities. The existing facility will eventually be sold once the new building is occupied. An estimated completion date of January 2024 was reported. Source: Idaho Business Review

Closures

• Sizzler in Nampa closed its doors after serving the community for 45 years. It was losing money according to the franchise owners, who continue to operate the Meridian Sizzler. The existing employees were informed they could switch over to the Meridian restaurant (the last Sizzler in the Treasure Valley). Source: Idaho Statesman
• Txikiteo announced plans to close its Basque-inspired restaurant after New Year’s Eve. The downtown Boise lease expired and the owner/operators are considering a new direction. Source: Idaho Statesman

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 & Twin Falls counties

• The City of Hailey’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the development of a 51-unit, three-story apartment building. The building will contain 43 one-bedroom apartments (600-630 square feet) and eight two-bedroom apartments (880-1,030 square feet). To aid the housing crisis that the county is facing, developers plan on working within Blaine County to be a requirement to lease, with the goal that this will attract a younger workforce. The project is set to be completed in two years. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• The Hailey City Council authorized the Hailey Public Library to receive a $30,000 grant to expand its learning and enrichment programs next summer. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• Bellevue and Hailey received $168,255 in grants to study their drinking and sewer systems. Source: Idaho Mountain Express

Camas County

• Soldier Mountain opened two weeks before its expected start date. Many improvements have been made to the resort, such as expanding Wi-Fi access to the entire base and improvements to their snow-making capabilities. Daily operations are expected to begin Jan. 15. Source: KMVT

Cassia County

• Pomerelle Ski Resort was able to open early this year. In fact, this is one of their earliest openings in over a decade. This will bring extra traffic to the area in the generally slow winter months. Source: KMVT

Twin Falls County

• The Red Cross is adding a new blood donation center in Twin Falls in the next 18 months. The facility will include four donor beds and will also serve as a staging site for Magic Valley blood drives. Source: KMVT
• Due to a $3 million grant from the Idaho Transportation Department, Twin Falls will be able to try out a pilot program for public transportation, Micro-Transit. The service operates like Uber or Lyft as an on-demand service through an application. The program is estimated to be running by April 2023. Source: KMVT

New Openings

• Antojos Eatery & Café, Twin Falls

Seth.Harrington@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 735-2500 ext. 3062

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

Region News

• Labor force estimates for November 2022 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program saw an employment increase and an unemployment decrease in the seven-county southeast region. Seasonally adjusted, November’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 415 that month, with 604 more employed persons and 103 fewer unemployed persons. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 2.7%, compared to 2.8% the same time last year.

• There were an estimated 864 job postings in the southeastern region in November 2022 according to data from the Conference Board. This is up from 821 the previous month and down from 1,275 one year prior. The top 10 most common occupations by job posting included health care practitioners and support; sales-related; computer and mathematical; and transportation and material moving.

• Health care and social assistance remained at the top of industries by largest share of job postings. Services continue to be the overall driver of job postings, including health care, social assistance, retail trade, professional, scientific and technical services. Other services include finance, insurance and others representing most open positions in the region. Manufacturing came in at fifth and construction at eighth.

• Lightcast’s data from the Conference Board indicates that the hardest to fill jobs remain concentrated in education, training and library occupations. This also includes community, social services and protective services.

• Most of southeastern Idaho remains in some form of drought according to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, though the recent snowfall has improved the situation. Drought conditions vary from moderate (D1) to severe (D2), with southern Bannock and Caribou Counties as well as all of Oneida, Franklin and Bear Lake Counties experiencing a severe drought. Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
• Idaho State University (ISU) will receive $3 million over the next several years to establish a Community Health Worker Collaborative program for the state to further grow the public health workforce. ISU is one of four grantees in the northwest and the only awardee in Idaho. The grant was awarded from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Source: KIFI Local News 8
• Idaho State University’s College of Technology opened its Health Occupations Simulation Lab. The seven simulated hospital rooms and two clinical rooms recreates settings for students in many different programs to experience real-world health care environments. Source: KIFI Local News 8
• Idaho State University’s Physician Assistant Studies program received a $10 million donation from an anonymous donor to support student scholarships. It was one of the largest gifts received by ISU. The program is the only one of its kind in Idaho, accepting 72 students each year. Source: Idaho State Journal

Bannock County

• After last month’s announcement of LA Semiconductor’s purchase of Pocatello-based onsemi (formerly known as ON Semiconductor), the Ohio-based company announced plans to move their company headquarters to Pocatello. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Idaho State University and Bannock County signed an agreement to fund and build the East Idaho Forensic Pathology Center on the ISU campus. Upon completion, the center will serve 17 counties in eastern Idaho by performing autopsies and providing a site for training and research. Funding for the center includes a $900,000 state supplemental appropriation and $2 million paid by Bannock County through American Rescue Plan Act money. Source: East Idaho News, Idaho State Journal
• Veteran and family-owned Idaho Coffee Company in Chubbuck held a ribbon cutting for its new shop opening, having previously operated from a local food truck. Source: Pocatello-Chubbuck Observer
• Local winter recreation favorites Lakeside Rink in Chubbuck, Pebble Creek Ski Area in Inkom and East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center south of Pocatello opened early for the season. This was due to late November and early December snowfalls. All three hope to remain open through March next year. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Grocery Outlet will return to Pocatello after 15 years. The owners plan to open the store within the former Bed Bath & Beyond located at the Pocatello Square shopping center on Hurley Drive. The Pocatello store is expected to open in Spring 2023. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Far Out Fudge opened on North Main Street in Pocatello. The shop offers sweet treats in a colorful setting with tie-dye tapestries and lava lamps. Source: Idaho State Journal
• The Chubbuck Olive Garden is expected to open Jan. 23 after construction delays due to material supply shortages. The chain restaurant was originally scheduled to open in September. Source: Idaho State Journal
• The Pocatello City Council voted unanimously to use funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to pay one-time bonuses to city employees, an estimated cost of $1 million out of the $10.7 million in ARPA funds the city received. The city is also considering using the remaining ARPA funds to cover the costs of a ladder truck for the Pocatello Fire Department, repairs to Ross Park Aquatic Complex and other city parks, and replacing sewer infrastructure. Source: Idaho State Journal
• The Carson Street Bridge in Pocatello is closed through April 2023 for reconstruction. The seven-decade-old bridge was found to be in poor condition in an annual bridge inspection, and the city of Pocatello partnered with the state of Idaho to be included in a Federal Bridge Bundle Grant to help cover costs. Total reconstruction costs are approximately $1.4 million. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Be a Dude Academy – a Pocatello baseball and softball training facility – opened in Old Town. The indoor facility provides two lanes of batting cages and equipment as well as lessons for youth. Source: Idaho State Journal
• The Pocatello City Council approved a subsidy agreement with SkyWest Airlines to maintain commercial flights at Pocatello Regional Airport, the airport’s only commercial airline. The nearly $1.4 million subsidy will compensate the airline in exchange for continued daily service between Pocatello and Salt Lake City. This comes at a time of rising costs and depressed sales for smaller airlines. Source: Idaho State Journal

Bear Lake County

• The Butch Cassidy Saloon in Montpelier opened for business. They serve food and drinks and offer weekend entertainment. Source: Idaho State Journal

Caribou County

• The U.S. Bureau of Land Management and Caribou-Targhee National Forest released a final environmental impact statement for a mine and reclamation plan submitted by Itafos Conda, LLC for their Husky 1 North Dry Ridge Phosphate Mine near Soda Springs. After the requisite 30-day opportunity for public review and objections, the agencies are expected to make their decision. Source: Idaho State Journal

Franklin County

• Franklin County Commissioners granted preliminary approval for phases one and two of the Maple Creek residential development, whereas phases three and four are on hold due to the recent cold weather. Source: The Preston Citizen

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 News

• There were an estimated 1,177 job postings in the eastern Idaho region for November 2022, according to the Lightcast Conference Board data indicator. This includes both decreases from 1,221 (-3.6%) the prior month and 1,657 (-29%) the prior year. Health care practitioners remain at the top spot of industries in the eastern region with active job postings but 23% less than November. Computer industry job demand emerged in the top half of industries in November. Retail trade and manufacturing demand carried over from last month, along with demand in the management industry. The educational and other services industries are no longer on the list, but an additional health care occupation broke through as a new in-demand industry on the list this month. Industry job postings for sales and transportation and warehousing have increased by 31% and 15% for November. Retail trade job postings experienced a 40% decrease. Finance and insurance, accommodation, and food service industry job postings remained relatively unchanged in the region for November.

• Health care and social assistance swapped spots with public administration at the top of industries in the eastern region with active job postings. There were 15% fewer postings in public administration than last month. Retail trade, professional and technical services, and manufacturing remain unchanged in the rankings of active industry job postings in November. There was a shuffling in ranking among the top 10 industries in November with no new in-demand industry on the list. Industry job postings in transportation, warehousing and retail experienced modest increases in November. Together, the remaining industries in the top 10 reported a 15% reduction in job postings, month-over-month.

• Conference Board data from Lightcast indicates the hardest to fill jobs for eastern Idaho — in terms of time jobs have been listed and waiting to be filled — vary across occupational families. The top job demand challenges in November were filling health care, arts/entertainment media, and architecture/engineering industry vacancies. The following jobs that emerged in November and were not previously on the top 10 list in October inlclude: radiologists, reporters and correspondents, producers, and manufacturing engineers. Notable jobs which were both hardest to fill and had multiple job postings included tire repairers, radiologists, manufacturing engineers, architects, database administrators and spa managers. Tire repairers and exercise physiologists remained as the top hard-to-fill jobs from the month previous.

Region

• There are a projected 12 nuclear reactor projects slated for the next 10 years at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). These projects will be built in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy launch of the Advanced Energy and Nuclear Contractor Consortiums at the INL and could mean an additional 2,853 full-time employees over the next four years. The positions vary in scope from facility and specialty occupations, engineering, technology, computing, sciences, management, and business services to union trades. In October 2022, the federal government also announced $150 million in funding for infrastructure improvements at the INL to enhance nuclear energy research and development. This initiative could potentially aggregate approximately 5,000 temporary construction jobs for expansion and renovations. The funding, provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, will support the multiple projects at INL’s Advanced Test Reactor and Materials Fuels Complex. Nuclear energy generates nearly a fifth of America’s electricity and accounts for half of all domestic clean energy generation. The funding will speed up the replacement of aging plant infrastructure systems at the Advanced Test Reactor and Materials Fuels Complex to ensure both remain operational in supporting several initiatives related to nuclear energy research and development. Source: procurement.inl.gov and Post Register
• The U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory – Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) in Idaho Falls introduced two new pieces of cutting-edge equipment intended to significantly strengthen the advanced materials research capabilities available to INL and the CAES universities. The first piece of equipment is a microscope that provides ultra-high resolution and allows researchers to capture the behavior of dynamic materials in harsh environments such as the core of a nuclear reactor. The technology complements INL’s advanced manufacturing strategy, according to the announcement from CAES. The other new technology is a 3D metal printer, which enables printing structural materials for extreme environments. Both technologies support INL’s research and development into advanced manufacturing as well as its partnerships with academia, industry, federal agencies and national laboratories through the Nuclear Science User Facilities network. CAES is a research and education consortium between INL, Boise State University, Idaho State University and the University of Idaho. Source: CAES.org news release
• The Idaho Food Bank Fund announced the recipients of its 2022 grants targeted to support nonprofits that provide nutrition awareness, promote healthy eating and relieve hunger. This year, 47 organizations across the state received grants to further their work to solve hunger in Idaho. The grants totaling $233,900 were specifically allocated to help recipients operate programs, purchase food and expand capacity. Eight organizations in Eastern Idaho received grants this year. Source: idahofoodbankfund.org
• Since its grand opening on Nov. 28, the Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls has hosted more than 20,000 patrons who entered the building. The events included music concerts, theatre productions and hockey games. The venue is owned by Centennial Management Group and employs approximately 300 people. Source: Idaho Statesman and East Idaho News

Bonneville County

• The state’s third largest school district, Bonneville County District 93, reported enrollment growth for K-12 at 2% from last school year. K-12 enrollment sits at 13,690 students. Alturas Preparatory Academy was second in charter school enrollment growth at 28.8% from last year. The Idaho Falls School District, which has been contending with overcrowded schools and has cited projected growth as a concern, only grew by about 60 students (0.6% growth), putting enrollment at 10,116. Source: Idaho Education News
• Construction is underway for a new Idaho Falls Police Department complex on the grounds of the former stock yards on Yellowstone Highway, an 8-acre parcel for a future 60,000-square-foot building. The project will take between 18 months and two years to complete but could take longer due to supply chain shortages. The facility reportedly comes without any additional property tax burden to city residents and is being funded by certificates of participation purchased by investors and repaid directly from the city’s budget each year. The idea of revitalizing a vacant lot in a high-traffic area is to encourage development in this part of town. Source: East Idaho News
• The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce announced a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new firm, Seger Built Sign Company, which met one of the following criteria: either opened their doors within the past six months; moved to a new location due to expansion; or remodeled/expanded their current location. Source: Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
• For November, Bonneville County reported a 5.7% reduction in active home listings. Median days on the market was 59 days, a 4.5% increase. New listings have dipped 39%. Median listing prices again saw no change from last month but a 2.4% increase from this time last year. 24% of homes in inventory reduced their listing prices in November. Source: Realtor.com
• Skyline Lanes is reopening as Homestead Pizza and Bowling. It was purchased by Papa’s Pizza group in Eugene, Oregon which remodeled and added a pizza parlor as well as a play area. The business sits on a 15,500-square-foot space. Source: Idaho Dept of Labor, East Idaho News
• A pair of dental hygienists opened a teeth-whitening business in Idaho Falls, Fresh Teeth Whitening. Source: East Idaho News

Custer County

• The city of Mackay received grants in the two latest distributions from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. It was awarded $32,500 for a drinking water planning study and environmental review to evaluate the city’s existing drinking water system and to determine if improvements are needed. The city must match an equal amount of money for the project. Source: Challis Messenger

Teton County

• The Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport’s long-planned runway shift is being expedited nearly seven years ahead from 2032 to 2025. The project began after the airport acquired 245 acres of land. The purchase was funded mostly (92.5%) by Federal Aviation Administration and state dollars, with various airport fees (such as airport land leases and fuel sales) paying for the remainder amount. Source: Teton Valley News
• The city of Driggs was awarded $41,465 for a drinking water planning study and environmental review. The city of Victor was also awarded $45,000 for the same purpose. Both grants are coming from a portion of Idaho’s American Rescue Plan Act funds, distributed by the federal government, and the latest distributions from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. Source: Idaho Dept of Environmental Quality news release

Madison County

• The City of Rexburg was awarded $60,000 from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to prepare a drinking water planning study for evaluating the current drinking water system and identifying needed improvements. The total eligible project cost is $120,000, and the remaining $60,000 will be funded by the city. Source: Idaho Dept of Environmental Quality news release

Lemhi County

• Salmon was awarded $25,491 for a wastewater planning study. The study, like Mackay’s, will assess the current system and identify any needed improvements. It also requires an equal monetary match from the city of Salmon. Both grants are coming from a portion of Idaho’s American Rescue Plan Act funds, distributed by the federal government and are the latest distributions from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. Source: Challis Messenger
• Mining claims will be prohibited for at least another 20 years on land in east-central Idaho and western Montana where Lewis and Clark crossed the Continental Divide in 1805. It is a national historic landmark of 1,300 acres. The U.S. Department of the Interior posted a public land order that takes effect in December and extends an existing 20-year mining claim ban. The 2-mile-square site is a day-use area open to the public and managed by the U.S. Forest Service as the Lemhi Pass National Historic Landmark in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Salmon-Challis national forests. The most recent Interior Department order seeks to extend the size by about 175 acres by acquiring additional U.S. mineral rights. Source: Idaho Business Review

Fremont County

• The city of St. Anthony was awarded $32,500 to prepare a drinking water planning study and environmental review to evaluate the current drinking water system and identify needed improvements. The total eligible cost of the project is $65,000, and the remaining $32,500 will be funded by the city. Source: Idaho Dept of Environmental Quality news release

Jefferson County

• The latest detailed county home price index data from the Federal Reserve was released for September. Jefferson County reported a 7.3% increase in home prices from the prior month, down 10.5 percentage points from the 17.8% increase the same time last year. Source: New York Fed
• Floral Classics, a Rigby flower shop and one of the city’s most well-known businesses, is now open under new management. Source: Idaho State Journal

Ryan.Whitesides@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 557-2500 ext. 3628

This Idaho Department of Labor project is 100% funded by USDOL as part of $695,785 in Workforce Information Grant funds from the Employment and Training Administration.