Grant to fund Cascade Locks trailhead facility

The Oregon Parks and Recreation (OPRD) Local Government Grant to the Port of Cascade Locks will cover about 80% of the cost, with a required a local match of $39,558, currently committed from the port’s general fund, said Deputy Executive Director Genevieve Scholl. Staff is preparing a $19,000 grant application that would cover some match funds if approved.

“We have submitted a grant application to Experience Mt. Hood Gorge, which is our regional destination marketing,” Scholl said. “They have a small grant fund that totals about 78,000 dollars, that is lodging tax money that has gone through the state ... They’ve got such a small fund I’m not sure what the likelihood is.” The agreement also requires the project area remain in the agreed-upon use — a recreational area with restroom facility — for at least 25 years, maintained by the port.

The cost of this facility has increased since it was first proposed. An updated quote, obtained in February, had gone up by $14,510 from a quote obtained in January 2023.

Bear-proof garbage cans at the site are also required by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). ODFW approved the project and secured a $500 sponsorship from the Oregon Human Society, to help pay for the bear-proofing, even providing a list of approved vendors.

Commissioner Rob Peterson expressed hope that the facilities will be ready for the summer event season, to “build the brand that Cascade Locks is a friendly hiking town.”

In other news, a new backhoe, ordered by the Port more than a year ago, had arrived at the port to great appreciation from their staff.

“All the guys, we went down, we looked at it, we walked around it, we kicked the tires; they let me start it. We’re very excited,” said Port executive director Jeremiah Blue.

He added, “So we can dig holes again! It’s been a while since we’ve been able to dig a hole.”

The Port’s request for a grant of $6 million to revamp and repair Bridge of the Gods unanimously passed a work session at the Joint Transportation Committee, and now advances to the Joint Ways and Means Committee, with another potential work session on Friday, Blue said.

The next Cascade Locks Port Commission meetings will take place on March 5 and March 19 at 6 p.m.