Winneshiek County begins "Smart Planning" process

Winneshiek County has started the process of putting together a "Comprehensive Smart Plan."

The Iowa Department of Economic Development has given the county a grant to help it to develop goal and policy statements that guide future decisions with respect to each of the 13 elements that are to be addressed in the comprehensive smart plan.

A steering committee comprised of county residents with a multitude of backgrounds and expertise will meet on Thursday to work on the project.  Committee members are Lee Bjerke, Steve Langland, Wendy Stevens, Randy Uhl, Lee Zieke Lee, Corey Meyer, Ferneva Brimacomb, Mike McGee, Tade Kendt, Bill Ibanez, Maryann Humpal, Tony Philips, Benji Nichols, Joyce Backwell, Mike Walton, Luther Anderson, Sharla Burns, Ron Hamesath, Bob Hamesath, Bruce Goetsch and Barb Ettleson.

Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission is assisting Winneshiek County, including the incorporated cities, with this planning initiative.