The Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) announces the completion of the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy update for 2024. The report, which MCEDD updates annually, provides a framework to support economic vitality for the Mid-Columbia region, which includes Klickitat and Skamania Counties in Washington and Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman Counties in Oregon. The strategy includes analysis of regional economic data, establishes regional goals and strategies, develops an implementation plan, and identifies investment priorities and funding sources.
Among the major updates for the 2024 CEDS was development of an updated regional project priority list. Project priority rankings for 2024 include the following:
WASHINGTON
- Port of Skamania’s Cascades Business Park Development
- Goldendale Energy Storage Project
- City of Stevenson’s Cascade Ave Improvement
- Port of Klickitat’s Business Park Development at Dallesport Industrial Park and Bingen Point Business Park
- Skamania PUD’s Water System Upgrades for Carson’s Water Treatment and the Underwood Reservoir
- Columbia Gorge Regional Airport Aviation Maintenance Training Facility
- Skamania County’s Wind River Road Stabilization
- Klickitat Valley Health Hospital District’s Building Addition
- City of White Salmon’s Youth/ Early Childcare Center
- City of North Bonneville’s Lift Station Replacement
OREGON
- Bi-State Bridge Authority’s Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge Replacement and the Port of Cascade Locks Bridge of the Gods Strengthening and Safety Improvements
- Housing in all three Oregon Counties: Hood River County – Development of the 780 Rand Road Housing Development project in Hood River; Sherman County – quantity and quality of the housing stock; Wasco County – understanding affordable housing needs and support for opportunities with community partners
- Wasco County and Mid-Columbia Center for Living’s Resolution Center
- Columbia Gorge ESD – Columbia Gorge Early Learning Center
- City of Hood River’s Elevated Sewer Line Replacement
- City of Grass Valley’s Wastewater Project
- Port of Hood River’s Lot 1 Infrastructure Development
- City of Maupin Water System Improvements
- Port of Cascade Locks Marine Park Cruise Line Dock Shore Power Infrastructure
- City of Moro New Primary Municipal Well
The annual comprehensive economic development strategy update process draws on the cooperation between community partners and MCEDD staff to develop a cohesive regional document that supports the regional economy. It provides a mechanism for coordinating the economic development efforts of individuals, organizations, local governments, and private industry. Ultimately, the strategy process helps create jobs, fosters a more stable and diversified regional economy, and improves living conditions.
The CEDS process is required for every region to qualify for federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) assistance under the EDA’s public works, economic adjustment, and most planning programs. It is also a prerequisite for EDA designation as an economic development district. For more information about the CEDS update process, or to view the 2024 MCEDD Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, visit https://www.mcedd.org/strategy/.