July 13, 2022

Wyden, Merkley: $225,000 to the Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District to Support a Diversified Economy on Oregon’s North Coast

Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and western Washington counties to benefit

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that the Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District (Col-Pac) will receive $225,000 to establish an economic development planning framework that supports diversified job creation in the region.

“I know from holding more than 1,000 town halls throughout our state that Oregon communities are doing an incredible job taking care of each other through unprecedented economic circumstances,” Wyden said. “These federal dollars will provide a targeted support for the great work being done at Col-Pac to support diverse, vibrant economies on the North Coast so that these resilient communities can thrive no matter the circumstances.”

“Establishing a strong framework for regional economic development will fuel long-term growth in the Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District,” said Senator Merkley. “This funding will support coordinated planning and guide investments, create vital jobs, and promote new business opportunities in Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties.” 

These Economic Development Agency (EDA) funds support the update and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) for the region served by the Columbia Pacific Economic Development District, which comprises the counties of Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Western Washington.  The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.

“EDA provides essential support for economic development in rural Oregon,” said Lianne Thompson, Clatstop County Commissioner. “We are the equivalent of child care deserts. We’re an economic development desert because we lack essential administrative infrastructure to perform the fundamental activities for economic development. EDA bridges the gap between our needs and the new businesses to meet those needs.”