Columbia Economic Team reports countywide work, says Project Spice decision expected this quarter

Paul Vogel of the Columbia Economic Team (CET) reported to the council that CET is actively engaged across the county and said several economic development efforts touching St. Helens are progressing.

Vogel told the council CET supports local small business recruitment and retention programs, tourism efforts, and energy planning. He said Project Spice — a prospective industrial development — is expected to reach a decision in the first quarter and that CET is coordinating with local public utilities on transmission feasibility. “We literally expect a decision any day. I know it will happen in Q1 of this year,” Vogel said, noting the importance of assuring power availability and transmission planning.

Vogel also said the state will fund the second phases of a transmission feasibility study after local PUDs and entities completed initial work; that assistance addresses a key piece of the energy siting puzzle for potential development. He described ongoing contacts to connect local companies (for example, Arcadia) to lenders and other partners.

Councilors thanked Vogel and said the countywide work has become more visible and valuable to St. Helens after earlier questions about return on investment. Vogel said CET’s efforts include tourism, the GROW downtown campaign and small business assistance through SBDC and other partners.

No formal council action was taken; councilors and CET staff agreed to keep coordinating on recruitment, energy planning and downtown support.