Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation was established in 2006 as a private, nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Montana. EPEDC offers grant writing services to assist with the funding of projects within our five-county region. EPEDC is an organization of cities, towns, counties, economic development organizations, and private citizens brought together for the purpose of forming and maintaining an Economic Development District (EDD).
The five counties of Carter, Dawson, Fallon, Prairie, and Wibaux, along with the incorporated communities of Baker, Ekalaka, Glendive, Plevna, Richey, Terry, and Wibaux, joined forces to create a means to encourage, stimulate, and promote economic development, expansion, and diversification in eastern Montana. Historically, this area in eastern Montana has gone untouched by formal economic development efforts. The commissioners from each county government agreed to the formation and passed resolutions in support of EPEDC. EPEDC is composed of 15 members representing various local governments and affiliations. The Board of Directors is comprised of 11 elected officials and 5 non-government representatives, including one at-large member. The staff consists of an Executive Director and a Community Development Specialist.
EPEDC is a Certified Regional Development Corporation (CRDC), as defined and recognized by the Montana Department of Commerce and also operates as a federally recognized Economic Development District under the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. The Southeastern Montana Development Corporation (SEMDC) located in Colstrip, Montana currently maintains Revolving Loan Funds for this CRDC with EPEDC assisting. EPEDC also participates, along with SEMDC and Great Northern Development Corporation, in the Eastern Montana Brownfields Coalition (EMBC) which serves the 15-county region. EPA’s Brownfields Program provides grants and technical assistance to communities, states, tribes and others to assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse contaminated properties.
A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, or CEDS, is a strategic planning document designed to help guide the economic growth of an area. A CEDS document for the five-county area was originally compiled in 2006 and is updated every 5 years. The most recent addition is 2017-2022. It is a regional strategy which reflects local economic development needs and priorities and recommends a regional approach to achieving sustainable economic development. A CEDS is required to qualify for U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) assistance under its Public Works and Planning Programs.