County invites Gold Beach Lumber to present for retail revitalization grant; staff to coordinate with Madras redevelopment commission

Brenda, a Jefferson County economic development staff member, told the Board that four proposals were received under the county’s retail-revitalization program and that reviewers ranked Gold Beach Lumber highest because of community and economic impact, project readiness and facility scale. The review team scored proposals across alignment with targeted retail uses, community and economic impact, project readiness, design and facility size.

Brenda said Gold Beach Lumber proposed a roughly 24,000-square-foot “do‑it‑yourself” home‑improvement and farm‑supply store and that Central Oregon Ranch Supply, Crooked River Ranch and a Madras athletic-club proposal also applied. She said reviewers thought Crooked River Ranch and the Madras proposal had community benefits but fit the grant’s retail-focused aims less closely.

Commissioners and staff discussed inviting the top-scoring applicant to a public presentation and whether to also invite Central Oregon Ranch Supply for follow-up questions. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate a possible joint meeting with the Madras Redevelopment Commission so both bodies can consider available funding and, if appropriate, partner on awards. Brenda said the fund has no expiration and applicants could be reviewed up until the selection is finalized.

No binding award was made at the meeting; staff recommended inviting Gold Beach Lumber to present at the Oct. 22 meeting and to work with Madras redevelopment staff and commissioners on next steps.