Mid Columbia Economic Development District strives to promote the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat and Skamania Counties
MCEDD is organized as a government non-profit in Oregon as an ORS-190 and in Washington through RCW 39.34.010.
June 30, 2020 – Act now to access limited time, money saving opportunities to lower your energy bills, improve air quality and comfort, and keep yourself and your family safe during a power outage. View time limited energy incentives and opportunities here and stay up to date on these and other opportunities by joining the Hood River County Energy Council update list. Email energycoordinator@mcedd.org to join.
Why should I consider power outages when I consider energy equipment?
The Columbia River Gorge is susceptible to an array of events ranging from ice storms and wildfires to a 9.0 Cascadia Subduction earthquake that threaten power outages and fuel shortages lasting from hours to weeks. In 2019, utility shutoffs were added to the list, as Pacific Power announced fire mitigation plans that could result in multi-day power shutoff to portions of Hood River and Wasco counties when certain weather conditions are met.
Meanwhile, energy technologies and habits offer unprecedented opportunities to mitigate power outages, reduce long term energy costs, keep dollars local and create a healthier environment. Weatherization measures and efficient technologies reduce energy burden and help maintain livable temperatures for longer in outages and severe weather. Solar paired with battery storage can reduce impacts of power outages by maintaining power for critical activities. They don’t require refueling or create toxic air pollutants that are dangerous to your health and can reduce energy costs in normal conditions. Learn more about resilient energy here and solar and storage here.
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June 29, 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.
Background
The Oregon Legislature, in partnership with Governor Kate Brown, allocated $5 Million from the State General Fund which will be combined with $5 Million redirected from existing programs at the Oregon Business Development Department (Business Oregon), for the purpose of providing financial assistance to small businesses and non-profits adversely affected by economic conditions associated with COVID-19. Businesses may use the proceeds for any business-related operating expenses.
For eligibility requirements and application visit: mcedd.org/bizgrants/ [Continue Reading]
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