Budget backs economic development

Two of three economic development groups that receive funding from Spokane County will get the same level of support in 2005 as they got this year. One group will do even better.

The county’s $123 million budget, approved earlier this week, includes a total of $500,000 for three groups: the Inland Northwest Technology Education Center (INTEC), the Spokane Area Economic Development Council (EDC) and the International Trade Alliance.

Budget woes last year forced a $200,000 reduction in the county’s economic development funding. This year the county is well off enough to keep the EDC and the trade alliance at the same level and give INTEC twice what it got last year.

INTEC, a private nonprofit group, promotes economic development through entrepreneurial training programs. It will get $200,000 in 2005 from the county, up from this year’s $100,000.

“That’s still less than it asked for. INTEC asked for $300,000,” said Spokane County Commissioner Kate McCaslin on Thursday.

The Spokane EDC got $275,000, exactly what it got last year and the amount it requested. The ITA, which promotes global trade for area firms, got $25,000, identical to its 2004 funding, said McCaslin. It had requested $50,000 from the county.

INTEC’s 2005 funds will go toward operating expenses for its Connect Northwest program, which provides business-consulting services for start-ups. The program now has one position funded and will add one or two more with the county money, said Lewis Rumpler, INTEC CEO.

Rumpler said INTEC has asked the federal Department of Commerce for another $300,000 for Connect Northwest.