Serving the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon and Washington, providing regional economic development and business assistance.Mid–Columbia Economic Development District

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.

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      MCEDD provides loans to businesses and individuals. Our financing can help you start, grow and expand your business.
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      MCEDD offers a fund specifically to encourage the development of attainable housing in our three Oregon counties.
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      The Investment Board provides financing in the National Scenic Area for small and growing businesses, nonprofits and economic development activities.
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      A source of gap financing loans for businesses in Clackamas, Hood River and Wasco Counties.
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    • 2022-27 CEDS
      Every five years the region develops the comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) as a guide to understanding the regional economy and crafting goals, strategies and actions to create jobs, raise income levels, diversify the economy, and improve the quality of life.
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      MCEDD provides county economic development, grant writing services, infrastructure project administration and planning.
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      MCEDD prioritizes regional infrastructure project and supports development of strong communities to support growing businesses. From broadband to transportation to water/ wastewater projects, learn more about regional activities.
      • Cover of the Hood River Energy Plan
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        MCEDD supports a variety of special projects that align with the regional economic development strategy. Learn more about one of those projects: The Hood River Energy Plan.
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    Home   ::   Industry Development   ::   Infrastructure   ::   Broadband

    Broadband

    Effective networks are critical to resiliency, access to services for residents and businesses, and a key component to our comprehensive regional economic development strategy. To support addressing un-and underserved areas of our region, MCEDD coordinates the Gorge Broadband Consortium.

    This group of local governments, internet service providers, and community advocates works to ensure that residents and businesses will have the broadband access and skills to take advantage of the resources, services, and markets available on the internet today. If you are interested in participating, please get in touch with Carrie Pipinich.

    Key Strategies

    Bucket truck installing fiber on a bridgeBroadband is essential to providing economic opportunities throughout the Mid-Columbia region. The region’s rural nature and challenging and diverse terrain make building broadband infrastructure extremely costly and nearly impossible for private sector investment alone to meet needs.

     

    Improving broadband connection in the region is complex and has to occur at severalcable connections levels.  Building infrastructure redundancy that connects east/west and north/south enables more reliable broadband connections throughout the region in the event of an outage, cable-cut, or natural disaster.  This redundancy is a necessary condition for businesses interested in locating or growing in the region.

    Increasing speeds and decreasing latency in connections is necessary to support industry growth in the technology sector as well as improved telemedicine, distance-learning capabilities, and many other applications for businesses and communities.

    data towerReaching key tower sites and facilities increases service for public safety communications and will provide opportunities for private internet and cellular carriers to build upon the backbone investment and allow for additional connectivity.

     

    Addressing un/under-served areas will increase internet access for homes as well as businesses and key community anchor institutions.  Enhanced broadband provides connection to education and training opportunities for the growth of a skilled and talented workforce, right from home. Home will become a viable choice for many residents who require internet access to manage their work or businesses at their residences. Expanded access will relieve real estate market pressure for homes that have adequate broadband access.

    Resources

    In 2021, Federal and State governments have recognized that building broadband capacity is required to enhance economic opportunities and support more resilient and networked communities.  Federal funding to the states has been prioritized with the Infrastructure Funding act, NTIAA, and BEAD Programs.  Due to the Mid Columbia’s region’s bistate area, MCEDD is participating in both Oregon and Washington efforts.  Current Broadband Action revolves around compiling an accurate Broadband map. The map will guide the federal funding that will be distributed by each state’s Broadband Office for local build out of infrastructure with the added goal to provide digital equity throughout all communities.

    Looking for services?

    Check out the National Broadband Map for information on who reports serving your location. You can review your location and report incorrect information on the map!

     

    FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program logoThe FCC‘s Affordable Connectivity Program supports a $30/month discount on your internet service bill as well as one time support for a device for those who qualify. Check out information and apply on their website.

     

    WA State Broadband Office logo and linkThe Washington State Broadband Office works with partners to support Washington State in meeting key access and speed goals outlined in its forming legislation and coordinates with other state and federal programs. They have resources for planning, grant application development, and more! WSBO also has a speed test you can take to report on access at your home. Click on GO!

    WA State Speedtest link

    WSU Extension logo

    WSU Extension Broadband Resources

    WSU has partnered with the State Broadband Office to collect the information needed at the local level.

     

    Oregon Broadband Office logoThe Oregon State Broadband Office works to promote access to broadband for all Oregonians. They are developing resources for planning and infrastructure programs.

     

    Faster Internet Oregon - Oregon Broadband Speedtest websiteFaster Internet Oregon  is a partnership that MCEDD participates in to support speed test mapping in Oregon to ensure communities can plan for broadband projects.  Take a speed test at your home or business!

     

    Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference logoThe Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference draws attendees from all regions of the state to share ideas, experiences and knowledge about telecommunications.

     

    • Overview
    • Broadband
    • Water/Wastewater
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    • Transportation Infrastructure

    MCEDD

    802 Chenowith Loop Rd,
    The Dalles, OR 97058
    Phone: (541) 296-2266

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