The Daily Inter Lake

The debate about Flathead County's new growth policy continues this evening during a work session for the county commissioners.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the second-floor conference room of the Earl Bennett Building, 1035 First Ave. W., in Kalispell.

After reviewing changes made by the Flathead County Planning Board, the commissioners will take public comment on the revised draft policy.

This will be one of the last major opportunities people have to express their views on the document before the commissioners vote on it.

After tonight's meeting, the commissioners will consider what changes they want to make to the policy. They could reverse any of the changes made by the Planning Board, add modifications of their own, or accept the board's unanimous recommendation for approval.

The commissioners are scheduled to hold a brief meeting Jan. 16 to discuss tonight's comments. They will announce whatever changes they want to make on Jan. 18

On Jan. 22, the commissioners will consider a resolution of intent to adopt the revised growth policy. If that's approved, it will kick off a 30-day written comment period, after which final action can be taken.

Copies of the initial draft, as well as the revised draft with all of the changes made by the Planning Board, can be found on the Flathead County Planning Office Web site at www.co.flathead.mt.us/fcpz/growthpolicy.html

Reporter Bill Spence may be reached at 758-4459 or by e-mail at bspence@dailyinterlake.com