Jefferson County has awarded $750,000 of funding to three projects aimed at expanding the availability of industrial space across Jefferson County, where the volume of business has grown an estimated 30 percent over the past decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019). Awardees include Creations Northwest, LLC, who will oversee two projects, the construction of a 7,500 square foot (sq. ft.) manufacturing/industrial building and a new 5,600 sq. ft. truck wash and business center facility between Culver Highway and Love’s Truck Stop; and Martin Fleck’s 7,500 sq. ft. expansion of the Eagle Ridge Industrial Complex. Jefferson County will provide permitting support along with $250,000 in funding towards each project. This investment in industrial construction comes after years of full occupancy rates across the County and at a time when vacancy rates in neighboring communities are less than one percent, creating a sizable opportunity for Jefferson County to attract businesses looking to relocate.
“We want to express our gratitude to State Senator Lynn Findley for championing this project under House Bill 5006. These three projects will provide new location options for growing both businesses and jobs in Jefferson County,” said Jefferson County Commissioner Kelly Simmelink. “We appreciate the partnership with EDCO and the City of Madras, which helped us bring this funding opportunity to fruition,” he added.
Qualifying projects were vetted by Jefferson County, in close coordination with Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), based on project impact as well as their ability to have construction completed by summer 2024.
“EDCO is excited to see the outcome of this collaborative effort that will add over 20,000 square feet of much-needed industrial space, which will create new jobs and capital investment in north Central Oregon. We thank the County Commission, and all involved for giving us the opportunity to help catalyze this important initiative,” said EDCO CEO Jon Stark.
The source of funding for this industrial construction incentive program is the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), distributed by the State of Oregon via the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund. This incentive may be used in conjunction with the Jefferson County Enterprise Zone program, for qualifying projects, which offers three- to 15-year property tax exemptions.
About Jefferson County:
Established in 1914, Jefferson County comprises the northern portion of the Central Oregon region and includes Oregon’s largest Native American reservation. It is home to some of the largest manufacturers in the region, has among the state’s most diverse population and its farms produce the majority of the annual U.S. and global carrot seed supply. The five communities of Jefferson County include Madras, Metolius, Culver, Warm Springs and Crooked River Ranch, which together, share a common desire for a vibrant future.
About Economic Development for Central Oregon:
EDCO is a nonprofit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations.
