2024-04-01 Economic Alliance UpdateEconomic Alliance Update
April 1, 2024
1:31 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Rieva Lester,
Becky Butler, Todd Chaput, Richard DeBolt, Ross Nielson
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Public comment: None
Comp plan and Tech team for IPAT: Richard DeBolt said the Economic Alliance (EA) has been working
with Mindy Brooks to create a comp plan for the TransAlta properties.
.09 Contract: Richard said the EA provided the .09 contract for FY24-25. Richard asked to make small
changes and bring them before the Board for approval. He would like examples of the “dashboard”
asked for.
Reynold / Harrison Dig Once: Todd Chaput is looking to use the remaining funds from Commerce to
offset costs associated with design and engineering. Commerce is going to establish a dig once program
for the entire state and rank projects according to need.
Tourism: Todd said the EA has started working on reaching out to communities for information to put
on the trifold. The trifold will have a QR code that leads to the website. The dashboard is looking to be
running at the end of May. Todd said the EA submitted a grant for GIS survey for Packwood trails
systems. White Pass Scenic Byway proposed a bid to clean the signage on I-5. Tod said the goal is to
inspect each sign and make repairs as necessary.
Events: Todd said the bowling tournament was a huge success. The tournament was paid for with
private dollars and raised funds.
Richard said there is an upcoming low-impact career fair to help those with disabilities. The Autism
Coilition has a new program director that will be taking on more of the primary role in hosting the career
fair. The fair will be held at Centralia College April 25.
BDO: Richard said the Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone (BDO) has an AA rating. Clients are
interested in the Aberdeen area as well as Lewis County. The BDO zone has an 85-mile radius. Todd said
the EA will be having a program that will explain what the BDO zone is, the incentives available, and the
locations permitted within the zone.
Recruitment: Richard said there is a timber company looking at proposed sites at the Chehalis Port,
there is a data center looking at the Winlock Port, and a security manufacturer looking at the Winlock
site as well. Richard said he is working on two hotel sites for the City of Centralia. Richard said there are
also a few smaller businesses looking for space as well.
Lawsuit: Richard said counsel has been retained and there is a court date scheduled in April regarding a
lawsuit filed against the EA.
Meeting adjourned at 2:03 p.m.