Signs of progress are money in the bank -- literally

After topping the billion dollar mark in 2000, bank deposits in the 12-county Golden Plains region of Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas have continued to grow, reaching $1.11 billion in 2005.

The deposit amounts, compiled by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., show growth of $76 million in the five-year period, with the total amount on deposit in regional banks rising from $1.035 billion in 2000 to $1.111 billion in 2005.

The 12 counties included in the comparison are Cheyenne, Decatur, Rawlins and Norton in Northwest Kansas, and Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Gosper, Hayes, Hitchcock and Red Willow in Southwest Nebraska.

On the measurement dates -- June 30, 2000, and June 30, 2005 -- deposit totals in the eight Southwest Nebraska counties grew by $62 million -- from $710 million to $772 million -- while deposit amounts in the four Northwest Kansas counties increased by $14 million -- from $325 million to $339 million.

In ways, the deposit growth is surprising. That's because both the regional and national economies faced challenges during the five-year period. In the region, the prolonged drought dealt the economy a serious blow, while the 9-11 terrorist attacks and the Katrina disaster hurt on the national level.

But, during the same period, there have been positive happenings as well, including improved cattle prices.

Throughout the 12-county region, there are 40 banking institutions. On the Nebraska side of the line, 2005 deposit totals by county include: Red Willow, $310 million; Furnas, $145 million; Chase, $129 million; Frontier, $90 million; Dundy, $31 million; Hitchcock, $27 million; Gosper, $26 million; and Hayes, $14 million.

Northwest Kansas bank deposit totals for 2005 are: Norton, $132 million; Decatur, $74 million; Rawlins, $69 million; and Cheyenne, $64 million.

While this region faces many challenges, most particularly the loss of population, it is encouraging to learn that one measurement of economic well-being -- bank deposits -- are not only holding their own, but continuing to edge upward.