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Economic Development

Keith County prides itself in being proactive in economic development. We have many resources in Keith County that make us attractive for existing businesses to grow in Keith County, and for new businesses to consider locating in Keith County.

We are fortunate to have a great balance of all the major factors that aid and encourage economic development in our area. Availability of transportation is excellent with Interstate 80, and the main line of the Union Pacific railroad, both crossing through Keith County. Our local airport has been Airport of the Year twice over the past 10 years and was awarded “Project of the Year” for a runway extension project. An additional bonus is the nearby location of Interstate 76 that provides a direct route to Denver from Keith County. Availability of utilities is also excellent, with close access to an abundant supply of electricity, natural gas and water. The labor force of Keith County is well-known for its high work ethic and reliability, and easily draws from a radius of over 50 miles. Last, but not least, are the ideal recreational opportunities in boating, fishing, hunting, camping and golfing available in Keith County and around nearby Lake McConaughy.

To encourage future growth in Keith County, we have been very progressive in the maintenance and expansion of our county’s infrastructure. Over the past 10 years, Keith County has built a new hospital, passed three school bond elections, developed a new municipal water field and distribution system, increased the capacity of our waste and sewer facility, expanded our local airport runways and completed a $13,000,000 road project connecting to Interstate 80.

Keith County also offers a tremendous balance of opportunities to new and existing businesses and entrepreneurs. While we are obviously very influenced by our surrounding agricultural resources, we have a balanced influence of both farming (along the Platte Valley) and ranching (in the Sandhills) that offers unmatched diversity in agricultural opportunities. Manufacturing is heavily present in Keith County with American Shizuki Corporation and Titan Industries having a long history of success. Tourism is very active in Keith County with Lake McConaughy drawing nearly 700,000 visitors each year along with our local Front Street, Mansion on the Hill, Boot Hill, Petrified Wood Gallery and Walk of Fame attractions. High-tech has even found Keith County a great place to be successful with RCS Radio Computing Services, with a branch located in Ogallala.Any new or existing business has an array of local organizations that stand ready to help facilitate expansion and/or relocation. Keith County Area Development (KCAD) is a local non-profit organization that acts as a central resource to answer questions, promote development, foster long-range planning and coordinate financial aid and incentives. Keith County Housing Development Organization is another local non-profit whose main mission is to promote and increase the affordable housing in the county. There are Community Redevelopment Authority’s (CRA) located in both Ogallala and Paxton that can offer Tax Increment Financing on qualified projects. The Keith County Regional Economic Development Investment (REDI) Program administers a revolving loan fund that is targeted to help small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing. Along with those organizations, all municipalities located in Keith County (County Commissioners, City of Ogallala, Villages of Brule and Paxton) and the Keith County Chamber of Commerce are all fully committed to future economic development.

Keith County is a great place to work, a great place to live, a great place to raise a family and a great place to play.