Economic update takes a look at infrastructure

Infrastructure is the focus of the 12th annual economic update series that includes a presentation in Kalispell.

The Kalispell session will be held at noon on Thursday, July 27, at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Darryl James, executive director of the Montana Infrastructure Coalition, will join the Montana Chamber Foundation as one of the keynote speakers for the seven-city series tour.

The coalition was established to provide an inclusive, non-partisan forum to research and develop funding solutions for infrastructure needs.

James will address the critical state of Montana’s infrastructure and the impact that has on the Flathead Valley economy. Patrick Barkey and Paul Polzin of the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research will present as well.

A core objective of the Montana Chamber of Commerce’s Envision 2026 strategic plan is infrastructure development.

According to a 2015 report issued by the American Society of Civil Engineers, Montana’s infrastructure is approaching a critical state of disrepair. This series will focus on the economic impact of infrastructure as well as provide local, state, national, and global economic projections.

The cost of attending is $30 for members of the Montana Chamber of Commerce or $35 for non-members. Updates are approximately 90 minutes and includes lunch. Register online at http://events.montanachamber.com.