Idaho officials say fewer businesses are vying for a top economic development incentive because of tighter reforms implemented nearly a year ago.
Known as the workforce development training fund, the state program reimburses companies for training employees.
The Idaho Department of Labor approved more than $6 million to help train employees at 11 different businesses and universities in fiscal year 2015, which just ended at the end of June.
The dollar figure is nearly double than what was allocated a year before, but the number of companies benefiting from the grants is the lowest in five years
Agency Director Ken Edmunds says the businesses have raised concerns that the new criteria is too strict. However, Edmunds says the reforms are here to stay.