They are generally in technology-oriented areas, which we feel is our niche. Two companies, Blaylock's, which makes wire harnesses for electronics components, and Alpine Air Food, which supplies camping foods, are leaving the county soon, taking 130 to 150 jobs with them. Several business expansions, however, include NVision, Innovative Metals and Priority Computers. Containing growth in these areas will preserve rural areas and make it easier to provide services to new development, said Bob Leggett, Nevada County planning director. The county's general plan projects a population of 140,000.
Growth is a highly charged political issue.
Grass Valley city officials are updating their general plan. In the meantime, they are studying the possibility of building a conference center and 75-room hotel in downtown Grass Valley. Grass Valley had a population of 9,048 in the 1990 census. The key factor for growth in Grass Valley will be expansion of the near-capacity sewer treatment plant. Burkhardt reports that the economic outlook for the county is positive.