The following is from the Director of the Port of Cascade Locks:

The Port of Cascade Locks has awarded all of its $150,000 grant fund for FY 24-25 and will meet next week to set parameters for a second round. The Port made a total of seven grant awards to Cascade Locks businesses for projects that support the Port’s strategic goals in the areas of downtown revitalization, enhanced tourism and recreation, and public safety. The Port contracted with the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) to administer the program, which featured a Small Grants and a Large Grants Program, each with different match and reporting requirements.

The FY 2024-25 Awardees are:

• Bike the Gorge ($17,297.00) for purchase of a bike lane sweeper and its use to clear bike
  lanes and paths twice per month through 2025; and development of biking guides and a
  marketing campaign to promote bicycle tourism; and hosting of a community ride in Fall
  2025 to promote the state trail’s year-round rideability.
• Cascade Locks Fire & EMS ($17,425.99) for a second command-style vehicle for the
  fleet.
• Kailea’s Coffee Co, LLC, ($50,000) for renovations of the existing building at 101
  WaNaPa to house Kaile’a Coffee Co, including interior and exterior improvements and
  the addition of two food truck hookups.
• Landmass Wines (10,000) for purchase of weatherproof, movable tables and chairs to
  improve winery patio space and indoor area of the winery for events.
• Leaven from Heaven, LLC ($7,561.00) for domestic kitchen baking license and
  purchase of large bread oven and sink for sourdough bread/bakery products business.
• Northwest Trail Alliance ($38,365.00) for construction of EasyCLIMB Bike Skills Area
  adjacent to EasyCLIMB Bike Trail.
• Brigham Fish Products, Inc. ($9,351.00) for improvements to Brigham Fish Products’
  property by installing exterior electrical hookups on the east side of the building and
  ecology blocks.

“We are very excited to see these local projects unfold and witness the ripple effect that results from supporting local businesses to strengthen their operations and grow,” said Port Executive Director Jeremiah Blue. “This first year was really a demonstration of the concept period and, while we are very pleased with the results, we expect the Commission to make a few changes to improve the process and set new priorities for Round 2.”

The program is structured to provide funding for projects that align with the goals of the Port’s 2024-2029 Strategic Business Plan and demonstrate measurable benefits to the community. The Port Commission will meet on July 29 for a special work session focused on the grant program and will issue a call for applications later in the year.