Commission authorizes staff to negotiate loan-like tenant-improvement financing for Discovery Center HVAC repairs

Wasco County commissioners authorized March 5 county administrators to negotiate and finalize a repayment structure to advance approximately the funds the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center needs to replace its museum HVAC system.

County staff described the Discovery Center’s HVAC system as failing and in need of replacement before the summer season. Discovery Center representatives presented bids in the roughly $400,000 range for a replacement that would restore climate control for exhibits and public spaces. County staff proposed structuring the county capital advance as a tenant‑improvement loan with a negotiated amortization and repayment schedule; the county and Discovery Center indicated the museum would continue fundraising and expected to repay the county over time.

Commissioners moved to grant staff authority to complete negotiations and a repayment structure; the motion passed unanimously. County staff said the equipment order has already been placed and that the county will finalize loan details and a repayment plan administratively so installation can proceed promptly.

Why it matters: the Discovery Center is a county facility and a seasonal cultural tourism resource; replacing the HVAC before peak season preserves museum operations and visitor services.

Next steps: county administration will finalize terms (rate, amortization, repayment schedule) and document the tenant‑improvement advance; Discovery Center and county staff will track repayment and report back to the board as required.