05/10/05 Rural Idaho report

Crime rates are now. Housing ownership is among the highest in the nation. The Hispanic population is growing quickly. Rural counties are aging more quickly than urban areas. Those are just some of the findings in a 40 page report. Idaho Rural Partnership director Dale Dixon says it's an accurate picture of the diversity of rural Idaho where some counties prosper, especially those located near Boise or Blaine County. DIXON "You have other areas in rural Idaho who are improving, facing the challenges and then there are some areas in rural Idaho that are having a very difficult time." Dixon says the report is useful to many decision makers, starting with the governor and the various state agencies, be it Labor, Commerce or Health and Welfare. DIXON "Mayors need to take a look at these numbers so that they clearly understand what's going on in their specific towns. County commissioners can look at this to understand what is going on in their counties as a whole. The lawmakers for their districts, both of the Senate and House can avail themselves of this information." Dixon says no doubt the rural initiative could have used a one million dollar program increase this year but the legislature didn't see fit to kick in the dollars. DIXON "But I believe that that rising tide is going to have a positive effect for the whole state." Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott