County accepts DLCD grant and $20,000 supplement for Rowena Scenic Area plan amendment

Wasco County on Aug. 6 accepted a DLCD planning grant that provides $50,000 per year to support implementation of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area program and authorized spending of an additional one-time $20,000 for direct plan-amendment work related to the Rowena community.

Kelly Halsey Glover, Wasco County Community Development managing director, told the board the $50,000 annual award is a recurring part of the county’s planning budget and supports permitting, outreach, code compliance and meetings related to the National Scenic Area. The additional $20,000 is a one-time recognition from DLCD of extra work connected to a Rowena plan amendment and will pay for notices and legislative outreach connected to the amendment process.

“Just to be clear,” Kelly said, “this $50,000 a year is a normal part of my budget. The additional $20,000 recognizes that we are going to be pursuing a plan amendment and that there are additional costs.”

Commissioners asked for clarification after seeing documents that suggested a $120,000 award; Kelly repeated that the award is $50,000 per year and that the $20,000 supplement would run from the date of contract execution through the following year. She also said the county submits a grant report to the Gorge Commission and DLCD showing expenditures.

Action: Motion to approve the DLCD Gorge Grant 2073 for planning assistance in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The funding pays for recurring planning support for National Scenic Area work and provides targeted resources to support a specific Rowena plan amendment, including required public notices and legislative activities.

What’s next: Community Development staff will use the funds to support the planned plan amendment process and report spending to DLCD and the Gorge Commission as required by the grant.