23 Zones 25 Applications

The Merced Sun-Star has some new information directly from Janet Huston, HCD director of communications:

State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) officials were due to render a decision on the county's recent enterprise zone application last week.

Janet Huston, HCD director of communications and governmental affairs, said Tuesday HCD is still finishing its review of enterprise zone applications, but Merced County officials may find out the result of their application this week.

"We needed time for our staff to do due diligence on their review," Huston
said.

Huston said the state is reviewing 25 applications for 23 enterprise zone slots.

This confirms the consistent rumors I had heard. HCD is not releasing even the names of the 25 applicants. My earlier list of predictions is based on a variety of detective work.