By Dan Spatz
For Columbia Gorge News
THE GORGE — The economies of Sherman and Gilliam counties have longstanding common interests, ranging from wheat and cattle ranching to wind and solar projects. Following the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s decision last month allowing Gilliam County to join the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD), those industries, and more, now have a shared forum for growth.
It’s a partnership long in the making. Initial discussions began in 2015, noted MCEDD’s executive director, Jessica Metta.
“We haven’t changed the boundaries ever,” Metta said, noting MCEDD formed as a county-led initiative in 1969. A bi-state, quasi-governmental entity with jurisdiction over Hood River, Wasco, Skamania, Klickitat, Sherman and Gilliam counties, MCEDD brings grants and project management expertise; local programs; and other professional services to local counties, cities, ports, chambers, and small businesses. Entities like the Gorge Tech Alliance, Gorge Translink Alliance and Mid-Columbia Innovation Hub are part of MCEDD.
It’s one of many “economic development districts” across the United States, playing a critical role in identifying local economic priorities and serving as an administrative bridge to federal funds. It’s also one of the very few such entities that cross state boundaries.
Joining MCEDD made great sense to Gilliam County Judge Cris Patnode and her Sherman County equivalent, Judge Joe Dabulskis. (In a tradition extending to pioneer days, the county judge is effectively the county administrator; “county courts” are comparable to county commissions.)
“The counties are so similar,” said Judge Patnode. “We have similar economies — wind and solar energy, wheat, the agriculture base we’ve always had. How do we preserve our heritage but also invest in innovation? These are the things we need to remember and focus on.”
She cites one recent example, a “virtual fencing” system development in concert with the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWDC) and Ford Family Foundation. It’s like an invisible dog fence, but for cattle.
Fencing boundaries can be adjusted remotely for better rangeland control. Grazing is directed away from burned areas that need to be reseeded, for instance, then adjusted again once burned areas can be safely grazed, reducing the risk of soil erosion.
“In the ag industry, they say this is the best invention since barbed wire,” she said.
With its own loan programs and grants management capacity, MCEDD can help Gilliam County build upon these and other agriculture technologies for continued growth, Patnode suggested. Of special interest is a county-owned industrial park, Shutler Station, just south of Arlington. One business is there already, a flour blending facility called Ardent Mills. Judge Patnode hopes to see other small businesses locate there.
MCEDD’s business loan programs will be a new resource to make that happen, a point also raised by Greg Price, the director of Columbia Gorge Community College’s Small Business Development Center.
“The addition of Gilliam County to MCEDD is great news for everyone,” Price said. “The resources and assistance MCEDD provides entrepreneurs and small business owners are vital to the growth and sustainability of our regional economy. Gilliam County will now have access to technical assistance, programs, and capital that have proven invaluable to our small businesses and the entire community throughout the region.”
“They are also excited to join the Gorge Translink Alliance,” Metta noted. This is a regional effort by MCEDD to coordinate all the various, county-level public transit providers. Routes and schedules are posted to a website, https://gorgetransit.com.
“Gilliam County is our neighbor, and we want them to succeed,” said Judge Dabulskis, who currently chairs the MCEDD board. “If they’re successful that helps us, and vice versa.”
He noted such common areas as agriculture, telecommunications, and the regional jail. Joining MCEDD “is just one other way that puts us all on the same page.”
Gilliam County had previously been served the Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corporation (GEODC), which covers a broader geographic region with fewer staff than MCEDD. The move required letters of support from both Oregon and Washington governors, and a resolution of support from GEODC.
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