Rural communities often combine quantitative and qualitative approaches to determine which investments can be supported by the local economy. In this case study, the goal of an economic development council (EDC) in rural Kansas was to promote economic and population growth by making the best use of the local resources. From a list of potential investment projects, the EDC identified a high-speed grain-handling installation as an opportunity to facilitate local economic growth. A community leader then had to determine whether an investment in such a facility was financially feasible for the community. This case study emphasizes the applied financial analysis methods used to make investment decisions about rural projects. It presumes a variable mix of historical grain prices and local grain production to project the most likely profit outcome. Thus, it helps inform investment decision of the EDC and county commissioners.

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