What's New-s
updated 11/01/06

Broughton Landing Project Port of Skamania Wind River PDA City of Stevenson
Congressman Baird's Traveling Office

Broughton Landing Project
For the last few years, the SCEDC has been working with the President of SDS Lumber Company, Jason Spadaro, and the SE Group on a development project designed for the now derelict lumber mill site- Broughton Lumber. It has been a long and intense project, but headway is starting to be made. In September, Mr. Spadaro and Mike Usen, head of the SE Group, began giving presentations at local public meetings around Skamania County to lay out exactly what the plans are, to encourage public input, and ultimately to garner public support. On October 13, they submitted a Plan Amendment Application to the Gorge Commission, requesting a change in the Gorge Management Plan. As the Plan currently stands, the scale at which development is allowed for the site is not large enough to make the venture economially or financially viable. It could be up to 6 months before an answer is given on the application.

Port of Skamania County- Tichenor Building
On September 7, 2006, the red ribbon was cut, signifying the completion of the Tichenor Building's newest amenity- a 2000 square foot space with 6 foot windows for gazing out at the Columbia River windsurfers not 100 feet away. The expansion in the Tichenor building was made possible in part by a $150,000 loan from the Washington Investment Fund.
In addition to the expansion upstairs, the Port also gained a new tenant in the end of July- Slingshot- world renowned manufacturer of kiteboarding equipment. They brought with them 18 family-wage jobs, with room for more, and a zest for mixing business with fun. Just days after they moved in to the Port, they held their annual meeting, playing host to their distributors, sales people and manufacturers from all around the world. They currently sell equipment in over 60 different countries.

City of Stevenson
The City of Stevenson is gearing up for its next big project in the downtown revitalization effort. Russell Street is the target. The initial phase will be in design and engineering, and identifying funding sources. Sometime in January the first public meeting for this project will be held to start building the community team that will work on the design team.

Baird's Traveling Office
Since May, a representative from Congressman Brian Baird's office has been coming to Stevenson the second Friday of the month to listen to comments and concerns from local citizens. Although the attendance has not been mind blowing, it has been consistent, and a very wide range of issues has been brought to the attention of the Congressman, via his representatives. Many of the concerns have been voiced with local and even national issues in mind, but there have also been individuals who have come to try to get direct help on challenges they are facing when dealing with the State and/or Federal government. In any case, it has been a valuable forum in which the Congressman can reach out and have contact with the constituents in his district. Some wish more Congress people would do the same. Unfortunately, do to cut backs, this program has been halted. However, Congressman Baird's office encourages anyone to call directly with any comments or concerns. (360) 695-6292.

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