Court reviews options for vacant Shuttler Extension industrial park building after EDA covenant release request

Gilliam County Court discussed future uses for the vacant building at the Shuttler Extension Industrial Park during the Feb. 19 meeting, focusing on next steps now that the county has completed legal steps toward releasing an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant covenant that restricted use of the property.

County staff said the EDA covenant, originally a 20-year restriction tied to the federal grant, is supposed to be released after EDA review; the covenant's restriction period concludes in June and a request for release has been sent to EDA. Commissioners said the building has remained empty for years and noted prior interest from Arden Mills was limited to equipment in the building, not leasing the facility itself. "They are not interested in renting it or purchasing the equipment," a county official said.

Commissioners discussed multiple possible next steps, including advertising the building for lease or sale to a broader regional audience, contacting local waste-management and solar firms about site interest, assessing whether the county could re-purpose the facility for county needs (instead of renting outside space), and exploring community options discussed at recent town hall meetings such as childcare. They noted disadvantages for some uses, including the site's highway location and distance from town services.

No formal decision was made. Commissioners asked staff to begin a targeted marketing effort (including a regional prospecting tool) and to return with proposals and market feedback to a future meeting.