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2017-03-06 Update with EDC1 Update with EDC March 6, 2017 11:27 a.m. Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Lee Napier, Matt Matayoshi Guest: Susan DeLaire Recorder: Rieva Lester Matt Matayoshi discussed the criteria for .09 Rural Economic Development Fund applications and proposed updates to the applications. Lee Napier praised Matt’s efforts laying out applications and criteria for .09 projects. Commissioner Jackson joined the meeting at 11:36 a.m. Matt said he would like the board’s approval to update – and revise if necessary – the .09 policies and procedures. Commissioner Stamper and Commissioner Jackson discussed previous items projects funded through the .09 process. Commissioner Jackson discussed a debt-forgiveness request. The group discussed the process by which debts would be forgiven. Commissioner Fund discussed the potential for a .09 reserve fund. The group talked about possible dam discussions. Commissioner Jackson asked about the Port of Centralia’s development discussions with the City of Centralia. Lee and Matt said they would defer him to those entities. Lee discussed the Boundary Review Board’s role involving transportation improvements. Matt said the EDC has three projects it has been working with, including one involving a biotech company. He said Lewis County is one of three communities in the running for the biotech project. He discussed the property’s draw because it is centrally located between UW medical and OHSU. Commissioner Stamper discussed a letter supporting a move to the Portland Corps of Engineers. Matt said EDA had called the previous week. He said work – and billing – can begin next week. He said EDA also discussed a project involving Bill Fashing. The group discussed Wahkiakum County’s request to join the district with Lewis County and Cowlitz County. 2 Commissioner Jackson discussed TransAlta’s future. Matt said it would be necessary to wait and see what the state Legislature says regarding TransAlta. Commissioner Jackson asked whether a gas-fired power plant would be feasible. Matt said he and Commissioner Fund have testified at the state Legislature supporting a possible conversion to a gas-fired power plant. Susan DeLaire alerted the commissioners to a PFD public forum scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at the Holiday Inn. Susan DeLaire left at 12:21 p.m. Commissioner Fund discussed meetings planned for later in the day. Lee Napier left at 12:28 p.m. The commissioners and Matt discussed the recent move involving Steve Mansfield and 911. The commissioners discussed the need to set up three separate, unrelated meetings: Ascot, Bill Fashing, Randy LeDuc. Meeting ended at 12:40 p.m. Commissioner Fund and Commissioner Jackson stayed behind and discussed Buck Hubbert’s condition. Commissioner Fund discussed a rumor circulating regarding the Centralia Station and discussions regarding an exit. Meeting ended at 12:46 p.m.