By Megan Boatwright, Local News 8 Reporter

We know Rexburg is growing but the question is what kind of effect are all the new construction projects having, and are they good?

That's why the Upper Valley Building Contractors and Realtors Association brought in a well known economist to help community business owners and leaders understand how construction helps the community.

Elliot Eisenberg, Senior Economist for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), has appeared on many television and radio shows all over the country. 

Eisenberg has done some research to see what affects it's had in Madison and Fremont counties.  

One of the many things Eisenberg told the crowd is 2008 residential construction projects for both counties generated $1.9 million in local taxes, $14.8 million in local income in the first year. 

The ongoing effect of those construction projects is 130 jobs, $1.2 million in local taxes and over $4 million in local income per year.

Eisenburg says the downside and frustration to growth is always the changes that come with it. 

"That's what growth brings to a community," he said.  "It brings a lot of opportunities and advantages, but it changes the feel and touch of the place."

Eisenburg will also be speaking at North Fremont High School at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and at Mystique Theatre in Pocatello, 11:30 a.m. Thursday.