A study released 10 months ago is still stoking the fires for those in the development world.

Relenting to pressure, the Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission agreed to pay $96,000 for a study that looked at business and development problems in northwestern Pennsylvania. The commission came under harsh criticism for failing in its mission: Stimulating development in seven northwestern Pennsylvania counties.

Completed in February by FutureWorks, a Springfield, Mass., consulting company, the examination offered recommendations on how the area could create a better climate for businesses. The Bosworth study, named after its author Brian Bosworth, was critical of the large number of development agencies in the counties which often were at odds with each other.

Among other suggestions, the study called for consolidation of these agencies and more aggressive marketing to attract businesses to northwestern Pennsylvania.

Shortly after the study was unveiled, the commission's executive director resigned amid mounting criticism that the organization had faltered in providing aggressive development plans for northwestern Pennsylvania. Another casualty was the executive director of the Economic Development Corp. of Erie County, who was given his walking papers. That organization is Erie County's lead marketing agency.

When it came to Mercer County the study got a tepid reception -- particularly when it came to consolidating development agencies.