Lewiston — The Lewiston City Council on Tuesday approved a business incentive application and economic and community development incentive agreement between the city and L Square Properties LLC to support a planned Cascade Plastics facility.

Jerry Chavez, president and CEO of Valley Vision, introduced the company and asked the council to view the request as the start of a long‑term relationship: “We do have a company that elected to invest their capital and start their business plan in the city of Lewiston,” Chavez said.

Wade Altenworth of Cascade Plastics, joining the meeting by Zoom, described the project as a 36,000‑square‑foot injection‑molding facility in north Lewiston adjacent to an existing manufacturer. “We’re looking for completion at the March,” Altenworth said, adding that initial operations will be light and that the company expects to employ roughly 20–30 people to start, rising to just over 30 as operations mature.

The council’s questions focused on the city’s evaluation standards. The mayor read Lewiston City Code section 4‑40‑5, which staff said guides review by weighing factors including revenue benefits, number and quality of jobs, public benefit, cluster effects, and proposed public infrastructure contributions. City staff explained the criteria are evaluated as a package rather than strict pass/fail thresholds.

Councilor Forsman moved to approve the incentive application and agreement and Council president Klieberg seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote. Clerk Brockie recorded the ayes and the council thanked Valley Vision and the company for pursuing the project.

What happens next: The mayor is authorized to execute the agreement. Company representatives said site work is underway and machine installation and staff hiring are expected to continue through the spring. The council’s approval covers the incentive agreement; any required permits or building approvals will proceed through regular city processes.