2017-08-21 Update with EDCMeeting with the Economic Development Council
August 21, 2017
Meeting Start- 3:30 p.m.
Attendees: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Matt Matayoshi, and Lee Napier
Recorder: Candace Hallom
The EDC has been in contact regarding a marijuana software service company wanting letters of
support. In researching he found limited information about the company. EDC does not plan on taking
a position on this project.
Industrial Commission has completed their 10,000 sq. ft. building. EDC will be working on getting it
rented.
EDC has been contacted by companies who have a large water requirement and we don’t have water
rights. Cowlitz River Basin is an open basin but the Chehalis River Basin is a closed basin and does not
allow any additional water rights. This is an issues that we really need to work on trying to get Chehalis
River Basin. This will require a legislation fix. This is a separate issue than Hirst.
The EDC is interested in hiring a lobbyist to work on a variety of issues within the County. It could be
water, bridges, and building rights. Matt recommending a split with the cities and different entities to
cover the cost for the lobbyist.
Lee Napier clarified that the lobbyist could benefits if it was a road project. It would be great for a
person to coordinate the legislative issues, letting us know what would be best for us to attend.
Matt informed the Commissioners that Kellogg Supply, a fertilizer company out of California has been
communicating with him.
He then informed the BOCC that the biomedical company elected to stay in Phoenix.
Matt provided information on the Packwood. SCJ alliance was up surveying two weeks ago to see if
elevation is above or below flood level. He hopes to have the data the middle of this week.
Matt signed authorization to SCJ work on safety and aesthetic improvements through Toledo and
Packwood. This is not engineering and design.
Benaroya met with the City of Winlock and talked about water. They are discussing onsite water and
onsite sewer because they don’t have the $13 million to extend the water and sewer lines.
EDC could come up with a solution with Packwood but the State Health Department needs to be a part
of the solution. They are having difficulties getting them over the past few years to the table.
Matt stated Allied mineral products intends to expand.
Edna asked if there was anything new with IPAT.
Matt stated it is a long- term plan.
Meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.