U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., announced in April that former president of the Montana Economic Developers Association and chairman of the Governor’s Economic Development Council Tony Preite will serve as coordinator to help oil-impacted areas find possible government assistance.
Preite made a stop in Sidney last week to explain his role as coordinator for 16 different eastern Montana counties. Preite’s role is the direct result of a letter from Senator Baucus sent in January to President Barack Obama urging the establishment of a multi-agency federal office for eastern Montana to help with the impacts of the oil industry.
Preite is employed as director of University Outreach and Economic Development at MSU-Northern in Havre and is also the rural development coordinator with USDA Rural Development as well as the new inter-government agreement position.
“I can’t stress enough how grateful I am to MSU-Northern for allowing me to do this” said Preite, “I’m happy to do it but it is a little overwhelming.”
Preite has recently made stops in eastern Montana counties to hear concerns from officials in local economic development offices. While talking with officials throughout the region, Preite said the top concerns were housing, infrastructure, roads and law enforcement.
Tony Preite and Richland Economic Development executive director Leslie Messer have worked on various projects together over the years. Messer showed great support of Preite’s role in a newly formed multi-county regional development council.
“Tony is our prestigious consultant.” said Messer.
A multi-county regional development council called the Eastern Montana Impact Coalition has been created and will consist of representatives from the economic development councils from the 16 counties east of Billings.
Preite explained the creation of the coalition will provide better leverage and access while addressing needs for the area. In addition, the coalition may create an opportunity to qualify for some federal and state programs.
“Resources are so limited right now, we have to leverage more than before,” added Messer.
Preite will be available to help local economic development offices find possible funds to help with various projects. Preite will serve as the expert for local economic development offices to keep track of all the latest regulations for government programs.
Preite is encouraging local economic development agencies to work on the projects while he provides the information on which assistance might be available.
“But one size does not fit all,“ he explained, “Each county’s need has to be addressed specifically.”
“This is a service of the likes which has never been which makes it very exciting.” said Preite. “The purpose is to try to find the resources necessary to complete the larger projects. The days of one federal or state program funding an entire project are gone.”
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