What others can learn from Bonner, Montana’s success in revitalizing its old mill site

Bonner and Frenchtown are, in many ways, like two sides of the same coin.

Both were "mill towns" where the economy was largely dependent on a huge industrial site that employed hundreds of workers. Both are now small towns facing rapid growth due in part to economic development in Missoula and people seeking more affordable housing.

But one, Bonner, was able to capitalize on its former mill site by redeveloping it with new businesses. Frenchtown would like to do the same in the future but faces hurdles.

DAVID ERICKSON [email protected]

http://helenair.com/news/state-and-regional/what-others-can-learn-from-bonner-s-success-in-revitalizing/article_53f04146-511c-5ca1-9695-1a8369bc70df.html