MCEDD Recent News Items

Sherman County Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan

October 26, 2020 – Sherman County is updating the 2020-2024 Sherman County Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan.  The draft document will be available for public review from October 26-November 6, 2020.  Comments can be submitted to Kathy Fitzpatrick, MCEDD Mobility Manager at kathy@mcedd.org.  Hard copies are available at the Sherman County Community Transit office or on request (email kathy@mcedd.org).  Click here to access the draft Plan.   [Continue Reading]

Buck Jones Nominated as Inspiring Rural Northwest Leader

September 25, 2020 – Photo of Buck Jones, Courtesy of Friends of the Columbia River Gorge RuraLead is a collaborative effort led by Rural Development Initiatives with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and multiple regional partners, hosting learning journeys and conducting interviews with rural leaders, leadership practitioners, and philanthropists that bring to light conditions and programs that support and impact rural leaders across the United States. MCEDD board member Buck Jones was nominated as an inspiring rural Northwest leader by MCEDD, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Gorge Grown Food Network, and The Next Door, Inc, with the support of MRG Foundation Since Time Immemorial Fund Grant Committee, Northwest Tribal Food Sovereignty Coalition, and Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance.  Read more here. Buck will be featured in a video for the “Leaders in Transitioning Rural Economies” session of the Northwest Learning Journey. He will share stories about the communities he works with and the economic transitions taking place at this time. Join Buck in this virtual learning session on October 9, 10-11:45 am by registering here.   [Continue Reading]

Annual Report Highlights – Year in Review

September 25, 2020 – For 51 years MCEDD has supported economic vitality in the five county bi-state region, focusing on opportunities to build our economy and support business and entrepreneurs. This year, MCEDD continued to deliver high quality technical assistance, business assistance and industry support through its core programs, while also expanding service offerings. Significant milestones and accomplishments in fiscal year 2020 include: Supporting economic resiliency as a result of COVID-19 with information and resource sharing, trainings, loans and grants responses to a myriad of economic shocks in 2018. Providing technical assistance for our members accessing federal economic disaster funding for public works projects. Implementing the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, in coordination with our members, and hosting a sold-out Economic Symposium to build connections across the region. Launching the Gorge Regional Transit Strategy to support the regional Gorge TransLink public transportation system. Expanding the LINK transportation system, providing over 22,000 passenger trips. Providing direct business assistance through our loan programs, providing almost $1 million in funding this fiscal year to businesses.   FY20 Annual Report   [Continue Reading]

MCEDD Offers Business Resiliency Training Sessions

September 23, 2020 – MCEDD, in partnership with the Columbia Gorge Community College Small Business Development Center, Sherman County, and The Dalles Area, Condon, Hood River County and Maupin Area Chambers , is hosting a series of business resiliency training sessions through May 2021. Funding support is provided by Business Oregon’s Rural Opportunity Initiative program and USDA RD Rural Business Development Grant program. All events will be online, free, and open to all participants, regardless of where your business is located. The first session, Digital Marketing Strategies, will be on September 28, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. In this session, participants will learn ways to reach their audience by strengthening their online presence and online communications with SEO, email campaigns, social media, and PPC ads.  Click here for details on all of the sessions, the schedule and to register.   [Continue Reading]

Proposed New Bus Route, Public Meetings

September 2, 2020 – Starting October 5, The LINK Public Transportation is offering an additional deviated fixed route, serving key stops in The Dalles circling the city on a one-hour loop on Monday through Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm. Riders can get on stops at The Dalles Transit Center, Seufert Park, Water’s Edge, East 12th Street and Dry Hollow Road, Mid-Columbia Medical Center, East 11th Street and Kelly Avenue, and the Veterans’ Service Office downtown. Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD), as operator of The Link, has scheduled two public meetings, VIA ZOOM, to solicit public feedback and respond to questions and concerns about the additional deviated fixed route. Session one is scheduled on September 15 (5:00pm to 6:00pm) and session two is scheduled September 22 (9:00am to 10:00am). ZOOM information is outlined below and connecting 10 minutes prior to the scheduled meeting time is suggested. September 15 (5:00pm to 6:00pm) Session Meeting Identification: 968 3557 2674 Passcode: 919306 Dial-in: (253) 215-8782 https://zoom.us/j/96835572674?pwd=Ym1WYkhJU25OTlNYeDlBdk5jYXpPUT09 September 22 (9:00am to 10:00am) Session Meeting Identification: 920 0803 4243 Passcode: 299070 Dial-in: (253) 215-8782 https://zoom.us/j/92008034243?pwd=ZmVrVGV0VS9NMEhzUGt3MXdmZWozQT09 Similar to The LINK’s dial-a-ride service, which is still available for everyone, rides on the route are $1.50 each way. As an incentive to encourage the community to try out the new service, all rides on the new deviated fixed route are free for the first two weeks of the service through October 17. The bus operates along a route with a regular schedule, but is called a “deviated” fixed route because it can also leave the route to accommodate requests for “off-route” drop-offs or pick-ups. The number of deviations per loop is limited and must be scheduled in advance by calling The LINK at 541-296-7595. Only deviations within 1/4 mile of the route are allowed. Time is built into the schedule to allow for deviations. This means the bus may get to the stops earlier than the scheduled time if there are no deviations, but the bus will not leave that stop until the time posted in the schedule. As operator of The Link Public Transit service in The Dalles, Oregon, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its programs and services on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin, as protected by Title VI in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Circular 4702.1.B. For more information please visit The LINK’s pages at http://mcedd.org/link or call The LINK at 541-296-7595.   [Continue Reading]

Deadline Extended: Business and Nonprofit COVID-19 Grants

August 27, 2020 – Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) announces the extension of the application period for their grant program until September 13. MCEDD received $250,000 from Business Oregon to distribute COVID-19 Emergency Business Assistance Grants in Hood River, Sherman and Wasco Counties. At the end of the original application period, funds were still available, so the program has been extended by 30 days. 20 entities in Hood River County have received over $58,000 in funding, over $96,000 has been granted to 37 entities in Wasco County and $10,500 has been disbursed to 4 entities in Sherman County.  Funds went to businesses, nonprofits and independent contractors in the counties, and just under $85,000 is still available. “These funds provide small businesses across the three county region with the necessary capital to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic and, in turn, create a stronger and more resilient regional economy for the future,” said Jessica Metta, MCEDD Executive Director. Small businesses and nonprofits with 25 or fewer employees that have been adversely affected by economic conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and have not received federal emergency assistance under the federal CARES Act, the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance Program or other federal emergency pandemic assistance funding may be eligible to apply. Full details available here.   [Continue Reading]

Antelope Water Project Completed

August 26, 2020 – The City of Antelope has completed construction of its Water System Improvements Project. The project had funding from three Business Oregon programs – Community Development Block Grant, Safe Drinking Water, and Water/Wastewater. Initial funding was awarded in 2016, and the City contracted with MCEDD for grant administration support at that time. The engineer for the project was Curran-McLeod, Inc. The contractor, The Saunders Company, started construction of the project in late 2019 and finished in early June. The project consisted of construction of two new 80,000 gallon concrete reservoirs and installation of accessory piping, approximately 3,500 feet of a new 3-inch diameter HDPE raw water transmission main, approximately 4,350 feet of a new 8-inch diameter C900 PVC transmission main, approximately 2,800 feet of 6-inch C900 PVC water mains, replacement of water service lines and replacement of existing water meters with new automatic reading water meters, a new telemetry system and an automatic meter reading system.   [Continue Reading]

Loan Programs Support Regional Economic Development

August 26, 2020 – MCEDD was formed in 1969 and received federal designation as a District from the US Economic Development Administration in 1970.  Our loan programs are a vital part of our mission to promote the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry within the district.  These programs are a strong part of our economic development strategy for the region and provide access to capital for projects that create or retain jobs, encourage the development of attainable housing and grow and expand local businesses.  Our staff works closely with applicants to make sure to match their projects to program goals and guidelines. Financing To Grow Your Business To support businesses that create and retain jobs, MCEDD provides loans for the financing needs of businesses with favorable rates, terms and requirements. These loan funds can be used to contribute to the financing needed by a business to purchase or build new facilities, purchase equipment, or provide working capital. MCEDD is a gap funder, working in partnership with financial institutions or when they are unable to provide financing.  The MCEDD loan portfolio goal is 1 job created or retained per $35,000 in loaned funds.  Oregon Brineworks is a maker of naturally fermented foods, including pickles, garlic dills, beets, beans, kvass, kraut and slaws. Brian and Connie Shaw received a loan from MCEDD to start up their business in 2012 and two years later obtained additional funding to finance equipment need to support its growth. Basic requirements, guidelines and terms are available here. North Central Oregon Attainable Housing Development Revolving Loan Program  MCEDD offers flexible financing for housing development and housing rehabilitation in the Oregon service area: Hood River, Wasco and Sherman counties. The Attainable Housing Revolving Loan Fund supports a solution to one of the region’s primary economic development barriers: a shortage of quality housing stock at price ranges and rental levels which are commensurate with the financial capabilities of workers and households in the region. Goals for the fund include development of tangible assets through housing development, providing opportunities for those in the region to live where they work and supporting the middle market of 60-120% median family income (“MFI”). Travis Dillard, a Gorge native, and his wife, Jen Dillard, purchased the Honald Building in September of 2016 with the intention of converting the second floor into nine high-end, loft-style apartments.  They  secured the construction financing through the Attainable Housing Revolving Loan Fund staffed by MCEDD and Columbia Bank. “Without Columbia Bank and the gap financing MCEDD provided, this project wouldn’t be possible,” said Dillard.  He continued, “This type of partnership is exactly what’s going to continue attracting investors into The Dalles.  The result being a renovated downtown corridor and a rejuvenated City.”  The project celebrated its grand opening in October of 2019.  Policies, terms and forms are available here. Oregon Investment Board The Oregon Investment Board (OIB) provides economic development loans and grants to projects benefiting Multnomah, Hood River, and Wasco, the Oregon counties lying in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Funds are provided through grants and loans to support infrastructure, business assistance, and workforce development to support job creation and retention. The OIB has provided funding to projects to directly create or retain nearly 700 jobs. Funding is awarded on the competitive basis of project feasibility and sustainable long-term economic benefit.  Investments must be consistent with the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and the Gorge Commission’s Management Plan.  Kim Brigham and her family harvest and sell salmon, steelhead, and other fish from the Columbia River, just as they and many other local Native American families have for generations. Kim secured financing for Brigham Fish Market through MCEDD, utilizing Oregon Investment Board and USDA Intermediary Relending funds. More information about funding opportunities with the OIB are available here. You can read our archive of spotlights on business funded through our loan programs here.   [Continue Reading]

COVID-19 Business Grants Still Available

August 7, 2020 – Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) was granted $250,000 from Business Oregon to distribute COVID-19 Emergency Business Assistance Grants in Hood River, Sherman and Wasco Counties.  Grants will be disbursed on a first come, first-served basis with $100,000 each earmarked for Hood River and Wasco Counties and $50,000 for Sherman County. Small businesses and non-profits with 25 or fewer employees that have been adversely affected by economic conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and have not received federal emergency assistance under the federal CARES Act, the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance Program or other federal emergency pandemic assistance funding may be eligible to apply.  Additionally, 50% of all funds must be given to sole proprietors. “The purpose of these funds is to fill the gaps not reached by other programs,” said Jessica Metta, MCEDD Executive Director. For eligibility requirements and application visit: mcedd.org/bizgrants/   [Continue Reading]

Washington State Launches Access and Speed Test Survey

July 30, 2020 – A recent news release from the Washington State Department of Commerce reports the Washington State Broadband Office and state Public Works Board have launched a mapping initiative to identify gaps in high-speed internet service and areas of broadband infrastructure needs in order to advance the state’s goal to have universal broadband access in Washington by 2024. The first step is for Washington residents to perform a one-minute access and speed survey found at broadband.wa.gov. Using the easy-to-follow instructions and a simple link, anyone can complete the speed test at home using any computer or mobile device. Those with no internet access at their homes are encouraged to visit a local library or drive-in hotspot in their community, or use their mobile device to take the survey and check the “no available service” button to record their physical address. This simple access and speed survey will result in statistically valid data and mapping for decision makers to plot a course for Washington’s ambitious broadband expansion plans. Washington businesses and institutions such as schools, libraries, hospitals and public safety facilities are also participating in the mapping project. Key partners with the State Broadband Office include mapping technology partner GEO Partners, LLC, Washington State Department of Commerce Information Services, Washington State University Extension, Washington State Library division of the Office of the Secretary of State, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The map data gathered through the survey will provide validated information for use by any community for broadband expansion projects and support pursuit of grant funding available from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state programs such as Public Works Board and Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) broadband financing. Full news release available here.     [Continue Reading]