LINCOLN - A $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will go toward the creation of an economic development master plan, said the Lincoln and Logan County development director.

"This plan takes into account Logan County's comprehensive plan along with growth areas and will provide a road map for economic development growth for the entire county," Joel Smiley said. "This will include business recruitment and identify the incentives needed to attract these businesses."

Smiley said Logan County has never had an economic development master plan.

"It's encouraging for the business community," said Andi Hake, director of the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce.

"We are really beginning to see a lot of things start to happen that have been in the planning stages for quite a while," she said. "This grant can give a boost to some projects that haven't even been identified yet."

Smiley said the plan will look at both the city of Lincoln and smaller outlying communities.

"We plan to hire a major consulting firm that specializes in these types of studies," Smiley said.

The goal is to have the consultant hired by the end of the year and have the plan completed by September 2010.

"Putting this plan in place will help us identify potential projects that could be an ideal fit for Logan County," Smiley said. "Having access to $50,000 worth of grant money for such a project will be a tremendous benefit for the county and its future down the road."