Signs of things to come for city
Lou Marzeles
News Editor
If the economic development momentum in sway lately continues, Goldendale will look a lot different in the not-too-distant future.
Projections prepared in collaboration between the American Planning Association, the City of Goldendale, the Chamber of Commerce, and the University of Washington Department of Architecture's Storefront Studio resulted in a a presentation that depicts possible renovations for the city's main business districts. They show thematic possibilities for unifying the appearance of the area.
In a presentation entitled Goldendale Washington Enhancement Strategies, the included possibilities address community assets and studies on awnings, signage, and design, as well as bike paths, historic homes, green shade streets, pedestrian intersections, and open space network.
"The City of Goldendale has a rare opportunity to breathe new energy into the community, both literally and figuratively, to promote its long-term economic, environmental, and social sustainability," the report states.
The sprawling report took several months to prepare and represents the combined creative forces of many both in the area and in far-flung places that specialize in helping communities become more attractive and achieve greater economic viability.
It opens with a review of community assets, citing only a few of the dozens that were named in an Economic Development Committee meeting this past August. They include natural setting, the observatory, the Presby Museum, the business districts, residential neighborhoods, and Maryhill Museum.
The report then covers downtown enhancement and is the section from which the illustrations at right were taken.
The awnings study shows that the city's history has a precedent for predominant awnings in its business areas. Pictures from the 1930s, '40s, and '50s show how ubiquitous-and aesthetic-awnings were. The report suggests that a return to such design could be beneficial.
Bike paths are urged in the report. "Goldendale could also become the first community in Washington to pilot the use of a bike-sharing program similar to what has been implemented in Portland," it says.
Green shade streets could also make the city more attractive. "Trees can be planted on the edge of existing sidewalks, creating new destinations for people to sit and to organize other street furnishings such as bike parking, garbage, and recycling," the presentation considers. "By providing shade and a landscape plan, streets can become significant public amenities that encourage people to get out of their cars in order to walk or bike."
Pedestrian intersections could be things of urban beauty, the report suggests. It sees expansive intersections at Broadway and Columbus and Broadway and Grant in particular.
An open space network involves utilization of currently open spaces in downtown that can be taken advantage of for public uses. These can include farmers markets, art walks, cinema under the stars, and similar activities. "Spaces can be defined simply and cheaply through planting strategies and careful path making," the report says. "In light of the desire to pursue guidelines for walkable communities, strategies that engage these types of open spaces become equally important as those that deal more specifically with sidewalks and buildings."
All suggested renovations, the presentation advises, could take a few years to fully implement.
Tourism advertising costs to be offset by county co-op program
The Klickitat County Board of Commissioners has provided $15,000 in the Klickitat County Economic Development Department budget for 2010 to assist tourism-related businesses and organizations located in Klickitat County as a means of offsetting advertising costs. Those who own or operate a tourism-oriented business or organization in Klickitat County and advertise to non-county residents may qualify for this assistance.
Grants will be awarded on the basis of 50 percent matching funds up to a maximum of $1,000 per application.
To be considered for funding, applications should include the following information identifying:
• Contact person;
• Name and address of the business or organization, including telephone, fax, email and UBI Number;
• Number of years in Klickitat County;
• Number of full-time and part-time employees or volunteers;
• Brief description of the business or organization and the target customers; and,
• Summary of the advertising campaign being proposed, including newspaper, radio, magazine, etc; geographic area being targeted; and a summary of the advertising message.
An example of past advertising materials is considered helpful and could be included in the summary page. If submitting more than one application, applicants should prioritize the applications.
Applications are due on or before 5 p.m., Jan. 22, 2010, and should be addressed to:
Klickitat County Economic Development Department, Cooperative Advertising Program, 127 W. Court St., MSCH26, Goldendale, WA 98620.
Applications can also be emailed to: tourism@co.klickitat.wa.us.
Applications sent by email should contain the subject line: "Klickitat County Cooperative Advertising Program." Applications must be received on or before 5 p.m., Jan. 22, 2010.
Applications will be reviewed and selected for funding by a review committee comprised of two tourism advisory board members, one representative from each of the chambers of commerce, two representatives from the Economic Development Authority Board, and one county representative from the Economic Development Department.
Payment to selected businesses and organizations will be for the amount identified by the Review Committee. Payment will be made to the selected businesses and organizations upon receipt of the paid advertising invoice and a copy of the ad.
Submissions need to consider:
1. Only advertising efforts to non-Klickitat County residents will be considered for payment.
2. The grant payment will be paid at 50 percent of the submitted original invoices(s) an applicant has paid and up to the amount of the grant award.
3. An example of advertising materials must be included with your original invoice(s).
4. All invoices must be received no later than Nov. 19, 2010. Invoices submitted after that date will not be considered for payment, unless an extension is requested and granted by the Klickitat County Economic Development Department.
Following the disbursement of grant funds, a member from the Tourism Advisory Board will contact awardees to request follow-up reports of the results of advertising or events in order to make this grant a continued successful process.
For additional information, contact the Economic Development office at (800) 785-1718, (509) 773-7060, or at tourism@co.klickitat.wa.us.
$3 million in federal grants to go to Washington crop growers in 2010
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is once again making preparations to award federal grants that increase the competitiveness and viability of the state's fruit, vegetable, and nursery producers. WSDA announced today about $3 million in additional funds will come to the Evergreen State from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) for Fiscal Year 2010.
In October, WSDA announced assistance funds totaling $2.6 million awarded to 14 projects across the region to support specialty crops, defined as commonly recognized fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops. The funds are authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. Washington is the third leading producer of specialty crops in the nation, which includes being the number one grower of apples, cherries, raspberries, hops, spearmint and many other commodities.
Private and non-profit organizations, commodity commissions and other public entities will now compete for funds for projects of $75,000 to $250,000 that benefit the specialty crop industry. In addition, WSDA will set-aside a portion of funds for small projects of $10,000 to $75,000. All projects must be completed within three years.
"This farm bill program can enhance Washington's economy by helping specialty crop growers improve their products and increase their profitability," said WSDA Director Dan Newhouse. "The program funds projects that help growers overcome production challenges and enhance marketing opportunities."
The first step in applying for the grants is to submit a brief concept paper to WSDA. The submittal should be e-mailed to Rianne Perry, WSDA SCBGP coordinator, at specialtycrop@agr.wa.gov. The deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 5.
The concept papers will be reviewed by WSDA and specialty crop industry stakeholders and the successful applicants will be asked to submit full proposals for further review. Application information and forms are available on WSDA's Web site at agr.wa.gov/grants. For more information on the program, lists of eligible products and the federal requirements, go to the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service at www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp or contact Rianne Perry at (360) 902-2177.
This fall, WSDA met with representatives of Washington's specialty crop industry to learn more about their priorities for next year. Based on this feedback, WSDA is seeking projects that focus on pest and disease control, food safety, international trade, organic and sustainable production practices and protect key resources. Projects that benefit Washington's specialty crop producers in other ways are also encouraged. Each project must demonstrate measurable benefits for the specialty crop industry and must assist more than just a single producer or company.
WSDA is working with neighboring states to encourage industry groups to collaborate with regional partners. Projects that assist new specialty crop farmers or socially disadvantaged farmers also are suggested areas for promotion. Matching funds are not required but are strongly encouraged.
The WSDA and USDA timeline is:
• Concept papers are due to WSDA by 5 p.m. Feb. 5, 2010.
• WSDA will review concept papers and invite full proposals by March 22.
• Complete grant proposals are due to WSDA April 30.
• WSDA will select and submit the winning proposals to USDA by July 30.
• USDA will announce their awards in late September and WSDA grant agreements will be issued by November.
• Unsuccessful applicants can get feedback on their proposals. |
