Economic Vitality
Supporting the economy is one of the two stated purposes of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act (Act). We protect working agricultural and forest lands and collaborate with the ports, urban areas, and economic districts to support economic vitality plans that meet both purposes of the Act. The Gorge Commission also certifies loans and grants made possible by the Act to support small business start-ups.
“The Port of Camas, Washougal sits at the western edge of the National Scenic Area where our Steigerwald Commerce Center supports 2,055 jobs, providing $457.6 million in total economic value to our region. Companies choose our location for its connection to the National Scenic Area and the quality of life that benefits their businesses, employees, and customers. The Columbia River Gorge Commission protects and sustains the economic vitality of the Gorge; it’s critical to the local business economy.” —Larry Keister, Commissioner, Port of Camas, Washougal, WA
Oregon and Washington Investment Board Loans
In the National Scenic Area, Congress authorized $5 million dollars to each state to support the economic purpose of the Act through economic development. The Oregon and Washington Investment Boards (OIB and WIB) were created to help carry out this goal by distributing federal funds for projects that strengthen local economies. Over the past decade, lending options have focused on loans that are repaid over time instead of grants that build the total value of the revolving loan program. Through wise use of these funds, OIB and WIB have generated sustained economic stimulus in rural communities. Here are some key accomplishments of these loan programs:
- $9 million in federal funding received for economic development in the National Scenic Area.
- $20.6 million in loans and grants awarded to local businesses through revolving OIB and WIB funds.
- 1,500 jobs created or retained through OIB and WIB loans and grants.
- $45 million in private and public, non-federal funds leveraged through OIB and WIB programs.
The Gorge Commission’s role is to certify that these projects are consistent with the Act, the Management Plan, and local land use ordinances—ensuring that the federal dollars advance work towards the shared long-term regional mission for economic development. We work closely with our partners at the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) and the Skamania County Economic Development Council to get loans into the hands of business owners who stimulate the local economy and create jobs for local residents.
To read loan success stories, visit the MCEDD website here.
Economic Vitality Vital Signs
As part of our Vital Signs Monitoring Program, we are monitoring economic vitality through the OIB and WIB loan metrics. We are tracking the type of loans distributed, the number of jobs created, and voluntary demographic information of loan recipients to understand the cumulative impacts of these authorized funds and identify needs and opportunities for improved outreach and support. Visit the Economic Vitality Vital Sign page to see what we are learning from the data.
“Without the dedicated efforts of the Gorge Commission and their hard-working staff, we risk losing the critical environmental protections and safeguards needed to preserve this special place and the businesses, communities, and people that it serves.” —Christine Shannon and Martin Hecht, Martin’s Gorge Tours, Stevenson, WA