Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne recently announced a $360,000 Idaho Community Development Block Grant for the city of Weiser that will support the construction of new Bi-Mart store, which will create 51 new jobs with benefits.

The city is using the funding to replace a deteriorating sewer line that will allow for the construction of the 30,000 square-foot facility. The city didn't have the available funding to replace the estimated 2,060 feet of aging sewer lines to accommodate the new Bi-Mart location on six acres of land west of Highway 95.

Based in Eugene, Ore., Bi-Mart has more than 60 stores in the Northwest. Bi-Mart is a membership store, which means customers must join before shopping at the stores. The stores provide full line of items including, house wares, sporting goods, automotive, hardware, health & beauty, toys, clothing/shoes, food and beverage, photo services and a full-service pharmacy.

The company is investing more than $2.1 million, which includes the purchase of the land and construction of the $1.2 million store.

"Because the city of Weiser didn't have the funding to make the necessary improvements, there was a real risk that without the grant money the Bi-Mart project may have not become a reality," Kempthorne said. "This grant secured the project which will now have a major impact on the economy of Weiser."

Once completed, city officials estimate that Bi-Mart will generate more than $18,000 in tax revenue for the city. Bi-Mart anticipates grossing $6 million to $7 million in annual sales at the Weiser location, which will add an additional $300,000 to $350,000 in sales taxes for the state.

"Bi-Mart is not only creating new jobs for Weiser, it's also serving as catalyst for additional growth," said Idaho Commerce & Labor Director Roger B. Madsen. "There are proposals from a restaurant and financial institution to build new projects on the Bi-Mart site, which will add an additional 20 to 30 jobs."

City leaders have also indicated that a new hospital, medical clinic and assisted living facilities are planned on 12 acres adjacent to Bi-Mart, which will eventually add an additional 80 to 100 jobs.

Idaho Commerce & Labor administers the Idaho Community Development Block Grant program. Each year, Idaho receives nearly $10 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for job creation projects and to construct public facilities like roads, sewer and water systems, housing and senior and community centers.