Washington Business Winter 2018 | Washington Business | Page 39

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self-deprecating humor that helped them get through the tough
times; and a tenacity that verged on stubbornness.” When he talks
about the opportunities for rural Washington, all three are on
joyful display.
“I think rural towns have a fine future,” he says. But there are
challenges. “If you don’t have enough people around to maintain
[essential infrastructure] you will have a population decline
that builds on itself. We’ve seen young people leaving for better
opportunities, schools consolidating, basic services starting to
crumble. Yet there is real opportunity here if we get creative and
work together.”
Demand for agricultural products continues to increase
dramatically. And the synergy between farming and related
agricultural businesses — food processing, refrigeration, farm
equipment — will play a large role in rural development.
“The penalty for living in rural areas is declining,” McGregor says.
Internet connectivity, advanced communications, transportation,
and tremendous schools create opportunities for other kinds of
businesses to locate in Washington’s small towns, which offer
quality-of-life benefits desired by many.
infrastructure
Often, growth begins with infrastructure, everything from sewer
and water systems to high-speed broadband. Staying current on
technology and maintaining aging water and sewer systems can
“There has to be a sense of urgency... It doesn’t
mean you have to panic.”
— Paul Kimmell, regional business manager, Avista
strain the public and private resources of small communities, where
costs are spread over a limited customer and tax base.
Brian Bonlender, director of the state Department of Commerce,
says the lack of essential infrastructure limits a town’s ability to thrive.
What was good enough five years ago isn’t adequate today.
“Manufacturing is becoming increasingly dependent on software,
machine learning,” he says. “To be competitive, manufacturers are
going to need high capacity bandwidth.”
In July, Microsoft announced an initiative aimed at bringing
broadband connectivity to remote communities using unused
spectrum typically used for television channels. In Lincoln County,
the company is working on a pilot project with CenturyLink to bring
broadband to communities like Almira and Wilbur. The pilot also
includes an Internet of Things component that will enable more
data-driven farming.
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz has launched the
Rural Communities Partnership Initiative to promote sustainable
development. She believes the Department of Natural Resources can
be a strong partner in building rural economies.
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