THE GORGE — Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge, also known as the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Regional Destination Management Organization (RDMO), has awarded eight projects with a total of $73,500 through the organization’s Strategic Investment Fund.
“We are thrilled to offer this funding to continue our support for improving the region’s tourism assets,” said Lizzie Keenan, regional lead at Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge. “There’s an incredible amount of commitment and creativity from those in the region’s tourism industry, and by investing in their projects, we can work together to attract overnight visitors, support off-season travel, showcase our unique culture and attractions, and strengthen our local economy.”
The following projects have been awarded Strategic Investment Funds in this year’s cycle:
Bridge of the Gods Trailhead Restroom Project — Port of Cascade Locks
• Support for the purchase and installation of a prefabricated restroom/shower facility at the newly completed Bridge of the Gods Trailhead parking lot located at a key junction of the Pacific Crest Trail, Gorge Trail 400, and the Cascade Locks Trail System. The parking lot and restrooms/showers will serve the needs of hikers and bikers with a high quality, multifunction facility that will enhance the visitor experience, leverage the committed partnerships of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), the port, the US Forest Service, and Northwest Trail Alliance.
Gorge Towns to Trails: Mosier to The Dalles — Friends of the Columbia Gorge
• The project supports Friends and USFS in their commitment to intentional and inclusive engagement on the Mosier to The Dalles Trail Concept development project which includes conducting six stakeholder meetings to engage the public in the planning process. The project’s study area includes a diversity of communities, including many people who do not speak English as their first language. These focus groups are intended to provide a comfortable space for dialogue on the project issues, needs, and goals with project staff. The feedback and advice heard during these meetings will inform the discussions of the project’s Community Representatives Committee, directly influence project outcomes, and serve to broaden our understanding of the diverse needs of the community and trail users.
Gorge Impact Film Festival — Gorge Impact Film Festival
• To support the expansion of the Film Festival from a one-day event to a two-day event, which will encourage overnight visitors and support more diverse storytelling perspectives.
The Dalles Public Boat Launch Improvements — Port of The Dalles
• The funding will be used for immediate and necessary improvements to the public boat launch that provides free access to the Columbia River, as well as to the public restroom facilities located in the same area.
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