A plan to create a targeted economic development district in a northside industrial park is the focus of a special meeting of the Columbia Falls Planning Board on Wednesday.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at Columbia Falls City Hall. Public comment will be taken.

Under the microscope is a 49-page comprehensive development plan for the Columbia Falls Industrial Park. Columbia Falls intends to use tax-increment financing as part of its overall strategy to provide the infrastructure in support of creating value-adding industry for the city.

The Targeted Economic Development District Act, passed by the Montana Legislature in 2013, enables cities and counties to create special districts that focus on economic development.

“Once known as the ‘Industrial Hub of Flathead Valley,’ the economy of Columbia Falls is now largely service-based,” the plan points out, noting the closure of Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. and downturn in timber activity. “The loss of jobs in manufacturing and timber-related activities has taken its toll on the economic well-being of the community of Columbia Falls.”

It cites a higher-than-average poverty rate and a median income of $43,690 for Columbia Falls residents, significantly lower than the state median income of $46,230.

The industrial park encompasses 110 acres on the former Superior Building Co. lumber mill site on the north side of the railroad tracks in Columbia Falls. The site currently accommodates a door manufacturing facility, excavation business, bark processing plant and a gravel pit. A portion of the area is undeveloped.

Columbia Falls’ growth policy designates the land use in that area as “heavy industrial.”

Tax-increment financing may be used by local governments for two types of districts: urban renewal and targeted economic development districts.

While urban renewal districts focus on addressing blight through redevelopment, economic development districts address infrastructure deficiencies that have stymied the development of secondary value-adding industries, according to the plan.

To make use of the economic development strategy, Columbia Falls must adopt a comprehensive development plan that defines the area where tax-increment revenue will be reinvested.

Infrastructure within the industrial park needs to be improved, the plan stresses. Roads are inadequate and the Fourth Avenue railroad crossing is so rough that commercial trucks, in certain cases, must find alternative routes. There’s little to no access for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The site is partially served by city water and private wells, but portions of the property have no service and will require connections to city water lines. The industrial park is served by a private septic system, but further development would require a connection to the city sewer system.

The plan cites many potential industries that could be established in the industrial park, including machine shops, industrial building construction, meat processing, truss manufacturing and various types of wood-product manufacturing.

Once the Planning Board makes its recommendation on the comprehensive plan, it will be forwarded to the City Council for final consideration.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.