Otter touts three private sector projects in ‘good news’ update

Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter highlighted three private sector projects that will soon bring at least 173 jobs to the state as signs that Idaho is weathering the economic storm.

“Many people are working behind the scenes, helping our companies and communities recover and prosper,” Otter wrote in a monthly update on Project 60, his initiative to grow Idaho’s gross domestic product from approximately $51 billion to $60 billion. “None of that lessens the very real challenges still facing many Idahoans right now, but I hope it offers some hope that we are on the right track.”

The projects include:

• 57 jobs restored to the Idaho Air National Guard. “The squadron has been charged with retrofitting half of the nation’s A-10 ‘Warthog’ combat aircraft with new high-tech equipment,” Otter wrote. “This will create a ‘mini depot’ at the Boise facility, which could open the door for even more of this type of work on the nation’s military equipment right here in Idaho. … We will do all we can to support the concept of using Gowen Field as a central depot, efficiently putting the Air National Guard’s key equipment – and Idaho people – back to work.”

• Burly Products, a manufacturer of everything from aluminum boats to truck bodies, will bring at least 16 jobs to Post Falls in a move from Spokane this summer. The company plans to break ground on a 20,000-square-foot plant, triple the size of its current facility, in the Riverbend Commerce Park. Owners say they will save on business costs ranging from payroll taxes to product liability insurance.

• A partnership between Lewiston businesses Howell CNC and Machine and Ammo Load Worldwide, with backing from an outside investment firm, will create three new companies and up to 100 new jobs in ammunition manufacturing. Otter said the state helped seal the deal with $200,000 from the Department of Commerce’s Business and Jobs Development fund that will be used for needed water improvements.