(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission continues to consider participation in a rural economic development program that helps new residents repay their student loans.
Rachel Boice, who just moved to Hiawatha from Denver, met with the commission Monday to request that the commission take part in the program that allows counties designated as a Rural Opportunity Zone to partner with the state to help new residents repay up to $15,000 in college loans over 5 years, or $3,000 a year.
Boice, who attended graduate school and received a degree in social justice, said she moved to Brown County before learning the county isn’t participating in the program.
She said there are many new graduates out there who would gladly consider trading the life of the big city in for a life in the country, and the incentive to help pay off their student loans would help make that consideration a reality.
Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development Director Jessica Kisling told commissioners that many local businesses favor the program, and she believes it would be beneficial. The program also allows qualifying individuals to have their state income taxes waived for up to five years.
Commissioners made no decision. Kisling will check with the Kansas Department of Commerce to get answers on several questions that were raised by commissioners about the program and report back at their October 7th meeting.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Atchison apt fire claim's toddler's life, injures others
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One injured in Nemaha Co wreck
Wetmore man arrested on child sex-related charge
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
TX man to stand trial on charges in fatal Jackson Co crash
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
Local judge files for re-election
Atchison in running for national fireworks honors
Bridge work begins Wed in Doniphan Co
BC's Pate remembered by students, college family
Latest Brown, Doniphan Co filings
Planned outage for Brown-Atchison Electric Tuesday
LATEST STORIES
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
Bridge work scheduled for Atchison County MO
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Recycling program discussed at Doniphan Co meeting