Main Street project hits Fort Belknap, Rocky Boy

The Montana governor’s project to build a blueprint for job creation and economic development returned to north-central Montana Indian country this week.

Lt. Gov. Angela McLean held a Main Street Montana discussion Wednesday at Aaniiih Nakoda College at Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, and was scheduled to meet Chippewa Cree Tribe leaders at 11 this morning at Stone Child College on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.

The purpose of the meetings was to discuss priorities in economic development in the relationship between the tribes and the state government.

Gov. Steve Bullock created the Main Street Montana project in an attempt to collect input from people on the ground floor of economic development including business owners, educators, community leaders and people who work in economic development to write a “business plan” for the state.. The intent, Bullock said, is to support local economic development, driven by the main streets of Montana communities, with support from the state and federal agencies with seamless communication and coordination.

In April, Bullock released the plan created after some 3,000 people participated in roundtable discussions last year. The plan identifies five “pillars” on which the plan is built: to train and educate the workforce; create a climate that attracts, retain and grow business; build upon Montana’s economic foundation; market Montana; nurture emerging industries; and encourage innovation.

Watch for more on McLean’s Main Street Montana meetings in Friday’s Havre Daily News.