CASCADE LOCKS — The port's new grant program was again the top item on the agenda at the Cascade Locks Harbor Commission's July 2 meeting.
Several more letters of interest have been received from businesses and nonprofits hoping to apply for a share of the $150,000 grant funding.
Based on the second round of discussions, more staff recommendations are expected to be presented at the next meeting on July 16. The committee may then move forward with forming committees.
This is a new budget item for the port and a new way the port allocates economic development funds. Each requirement had to be reviewed with input from the commissioners.
“We've never done anything like this before,” said Commissioner Albert Nance, who suggested splitting the application into three main sections: nonprofit and government, tourism and recreation and downtown revitalization.
He noted permits for new businesses to set up can cost thousands of dollars and recommended the Port Authority cover that cost with grants.
Deputy Executive Director Genevieve Scholl said each application will be scored on a variety of criteria. She recommended the Port Authority provide funding to promising businesses, nonprofits and services that could be partners in achieving the goals of the Port Authority's new five-year business plan.
All grants must be made within the Port District to fund local economic development. At this time, we welcome continued interest.
Commissioners discussed whether to provide grants for general operating funds, such as paying staff wages at the Cascade Locks Historical Museum, and agreed that such grant recipients should demonstrate contributions to economic development.
Scholl also recommended that waived fees for events on port facilities be formalized and reported as grants to ensure the process is fair.
In other news, Commissioner Carrie Kloots suggested exploring the possibility of upgrading the commercial kitchen at Flex 6 (House 3) for farm-to-table pop-ups and other small culinary events, something the commission expressed interest in, which Executive Director Jeremiah Blue said was a viable option for using the space.
The Committee will conduct an annual performance evaluation of Blue using materials from SDAO Consulting. Blue will also conduct a self-evaluation.
Ten weddings are scheduled for this month in Marine Park and Thunder Island.
Operations manager Parker Nelson said the campground is about 80 percent full on weekends, and the port has been busy with regular maintenance tasks like mowing the grass, training staff, getting rid of milfoil that has infested the marina and installing air conditioning throughout the park.
“I hope everyone stays calm and doesn't jump into the floodgates,” said committee Chairman Brad Rolland.
