Unmanned aircraft effort grounded

A local unmanned aircraft technology initiative has been grounded after pursuing a $3 million nationwide contest, but participants believe a springboard has emerged from the effort.

The cities of Rathdrum, Post Falls and Hayden, along with education and business partners last year won $50,000 to develop an economic development plan for autonomously piloted vehicles (land, water and air) in this region.

The local application was among 50 of the 138 chosen for the competition's quarterfinals, but participants have learned it was not selected for the semifinals.

"We were disappointed and actually surprised as a group, but are regrouping and moving onward to find ways to build on the momentum," said Rathdrum City Administrator Brett Boyer, adding the group plans to meet on Feb. 2 to explore ways to further develop the concept.

Gynii Gilliam, president of the local economic development agency Jobs Plus, said the group was optimistic about its chances to advance but also believes it may be onto something positive.

"All in all, the reception from the whole team after the initial comment about being disappointed has been that we’ve built an excellent partnership and that we all want to move onward," Gilliam said.

Boyer said the local group is expected to get a report on why its application didn't advance, but that hasn't been received.

Including matching funds, the group received a total of $65,000 during the three-year America's Best Communities contest sponsored by Frontier Communications,

DISH Network, CoBank and The Weather Channel intended to inspire economic development.

Boyer said most of the funds were used for creating the plan, but the group still has $10,000 available for future efforts.

"I believe the group will move forward continuing to work on the plan and seeking funding from other sources," said Boyer, adding those details will be discussed on Feb. 2.

In addition to city representatives and Jobs Plus, the group calling itself Future Frontiers includes, but is not limited to, the Department of Commerce, LCF Enterprises, Innovation Collective, Empire Unmanned, Protelligent, the Idaho Department of Labor, Vertical Partners West, ExtraTech Corp., North Idaho College and the University of Idaho.

Applications chosen for the semifinals received $100,000. The third round will offer $1 million, $2 million and $3 million prizes.