Forks: City economic director cut; mayor, staff to step in

FORKS, WA -- Boosting the West End's economy is still a main priority for the city, despite a recent decision to strike an economic development director position because of budget woes.

``Economic development is and will continue to be a primary goal of the city of Forks,'' Mayor Nedra Reed said. ``We're fighting for our survival here.''

Reed last week announced the city had eliminated its economic development director position to bridge a financial gap in the city budget caused by a reduction in state revenues.

Beginning Monday, city staff will assume economic development activities formerly performed by Kathy Cunningham, who oversaw Forks' development for four years before the position was eliminated and she was laid off.