Calhoun Growth Association discussed at Village Board
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
By Steven Spencer
The Calhoun Community Foundation presented information on the Calhoun Growth Association to the Village of Hardin Board meeting Wednesday evening.
In their mission to “making progress with preservation in Calhoun County” the Community Foundation is looking to make an impact on economic development and progress through a growth association.
Mary Louise Helbig, with the Calhoun Community Foundation said after examining the county’s strategic plan the growth association would work on addressing needs such as access, infrastructure, and sustainability.
“The fundamental thought is that increasing our tax base through business and population growth, we’ll support in reinvesting in our community in critical infrastructure needs, roads, ferries, health services, education, the schools and jobs,” Helbig said of the growth association.
“Calhoun already has some fabulous attractions that people just don’t even know about,” she added, noting the natural beauty and riverfront. “People love coming to visit Calhoun county.”
Board member JD Lorton agreed with Helbig, noting that there is plenty of potential for revenue from tourism within the county.
“One thing I think Calhoun is missing out on is tourism,” Lorton said. “Tourism is a multibillion dollar business, we have a resort in Grafton and have a lot of things going there, and that’s a town of 600 people.”
“It’s sitting right there for you,” Lorton added, while commenting on the impact that working with the Great Rivers and Routes could bring to the county.
Mayor Dave Hurley said once Hardin receives their funds from the flood buyout, the village intends to work on developing the riverfront front further.
“We’ve had two meetings since we’ve had RISE grant money, our focus is on development along the river for Hardin,” Hurley said. “So right now that’s the plan moving forward for a while, we’re going to focus on development on the river and business that can benefit because of the river.”
With the RISE grant, Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery, village intends to work on a business district redevelopment plan focus on support and attracting businesses and commercial corridors.
The growth association is planning to meet with the Kampsville board at their next meeting to further discuss the possibilities of the association within the county, and develop further in the coming year.
