SAFFORD — Economic Development efforts in the Gila Valley could be getting an infusion of cash.
The Graham County Board of Supervisors Monday to apply for a $290,000 grant from United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties, to spark new life into the Graham County Economic Development Organization.
“This was an economic organization formed about 10 years ago by the county manager, city manager, town managers, and also several large business owners at the time,” said County Manager Dustin Welker. “I would say for lack of funding and organization, the organization went silent for a while. Over the last year or two, we’ve been trying to resurrect this organization and get it going again.”
Welker said numerous economic development studies have been completed, but there hasn’t been funding to hire someone to implement those plans.
The county has been budgeting about $35,000 annually for economic development efforts, but hasn’t had the opportunity to expend those funds. And Supervisor John Howard said the City of Safford and Towns of Thatcher and Pima have also been budgeting funds for economic development efforts.
The vote was 2-0 to apply for the grant, with Supervisor Danny Smith abstaining due to his position on the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties board.
