Serving the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon and Washington, providing regional economic development and business assistance.Mid–Columbia Economic Development District

Mid Columbia Economic Development District strives to promote the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat and Skamania Counties

MCEDD is organized as a government non-profit in Oregon as an ORS-190 and in Washington through RCW 39.34.010.

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Notice of Funding Opportunity: Biglow Ag Mitigation Fund

October 5, 2026 – Notice of Funding Opportunity Date Issued: October 5, 2026 Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) on behalf of Sherman County (County) and PGE as operator of the Biglow Solar Project (Project Sponsor) announce the availability of $980,800 in grant funds for projects that uplift the Sherman County agricultural economy. This fund was established in June 2026 under the Biglow Solar Community Investment Plan (CIP), approved in March 2026 by the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) as an amendment to Portland General Electric Company’s existing Biglow Canyon Wind Farm Site Certificate. The Biglow Solar approval provides reasons upon which EFSC may grant an exception to Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goal 3 and authorize the removal of up to 1,445 acres from dryland wheat production for the life of the Solar Components. The Project Sponsor performed an agricultural economic impact analysis to evaluate the direct, indirect, and induced impacts from removing up to 1,445 acres of land from dryland wheat production. As a result, a fund was established to support the agricultural economy in Sherman County with Mitigation Projects that advance priorities of the local agricultural community as identified in the CIP as Mitigation Selection Criteria. The CIP also established a Selection Committee to review grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Sherman County Court. The Committee is designed to represent a range of agricultural, community, government, research, and wildfire perspectives. Committee members were identified through a combination of designated representation, an open public recruitment process, and appointment. The CIP lists pre-screened projects that were developed based on outreach and coordination with key stakeholders from the Sherman County agricultural community, as well as state-wide agricultural-related organizations. Funding is available to both pre-screened and non-pre-screened projects that address at least one of the five Mitigation Selection Criteria identified in the CIP, which include: 1. Improving resiliency and efficiency of Sherman County’s agricultural economy; 2. Improving agricultural wildfire protection and risk management capacity; 3. Investing in research to further agrivoltaics for dryland wheat lands; 4. Investing in agricultural education for next-generation farmers; and 5. Subsidizing the price of wheat produced in Sherman County. Who Can Apply • Individuals and organizations/entities may apply. • An individual may apply as the sole project lead or as the lead applicant for a collaborative project with other community members. • Organizations/entities may also apply and may include project partners or collaborators. • One individual or organization/entity must serve as the lead applicant and will be responsible for the grant award, including the grant agreement, management of funds, and required reporting. • Collaboration is encouraged but is not required. Project Requirements All proposed projects must: • Demonstrate how they will help mitigate the impact of the Biglow Solar Project on Sherman County’s agricultural economy; and • Address at least one of the Mitigation Selection Criteria above. Project Readiness Projects may be at any stage of development when applying. A project does not need to be fully designed or ready to begin; however, applicants should have a clear project concept and be able to describe the steps, timeline, and resources needed to move the project forward. Selection Committee & Review Process The Selection Committee reviews eligible applications and makes funding recommendations to the Sherman County Court, which makes final funding decisions. The Committee includes the following perspectives and areas of representation: • Sherman County government representative • Academic institution engaged in agricultural research in Sherman County or an agricultural-related nonprofit in Sherman County • Dryland farm producer in Sherman County • Oregon Wheat Growers League representative • Community member in Sherman County • Representative with expertise in wildfire as it relates to agricultural lands in Sherman County • Statewide or regional agricultural subject matter expert selected by the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (non-voting) Following its initial review of applications, the Selection Committee may choose to identify finalists for further consideration. Finalists will be invited to participate in a Q&A discussion with the Committee about their proposed project before final funding recommendations are made to the Sherman County Court. Links to CIP & Grant Application  • Community Investment Plan (CIP)  • Grant Application Award Timeline Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2027. Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee within 90 days. The Committee’s funding recommendations will be submitted to the Sherman County Court for a final decision. The Court will announce awards within 60 days of the Committee’s recommendation. Questions & Assistance Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact MCEDD with questions about potential project ideas, eligibility, or the grant application process. Contact: Jill Catherine, MCEDD Project & Grants Manager at jillc@mcedd.org 541-296-2266 ext. 1006   [Continue Reading]

Committee Members Needed to Help Shape the Future of Sherman County Agriculture

July 30, 2026 – Sherman County is seeking volunteers to serve on the Biglow Ag Mitigation Fund Selection Committee. This is a unique opportunity to help guide investments that will strengthen Sherman County’s agricultural economy for years to come. The Biglow Solar Project is being added to the existing Biglow Canyon Wind Farm. Because a portion of agricultural land will be converted to solar energy production, a Community Investment Fund has been established by PGE as the project’s sponsor to invest in projects that offset potential impacts while strengthening the long-term resilience and vitality of Sherman County’s agricultural community. This fund is guided by a Community Investment Plan that was part of the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council’s approval of the solar project. The Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) will administer the fund and manage the application process while supporting the Selection Committee throughout the review process. The Selection Committee will review and evaluate eligible funding proposals using the criteria established in the approved Community Investment Plan and make funding recommendations to the Sherman County Court, which will make the final funding decisions. Sherman County is currently seeking applicants for three voting positions: One dryland farm producer in Sherman County One community member One individual with expertise in wildfire as it relates to agricultural lands Committee members can expect to contribute a total of approximately 8–15 hours, including a review of the Community Investment Plan and funding materials, application review, and two or more committee meetings. The committee may also support future agricultural mitigation fund opportunities. Applications for the Biglow Ag Mitigation Fund Selection Committee will be accepted until August 24, 2026 and are available here: Sherman County Citizen Volunteer Interest Form. You may also contact project manager Jill Catherine at jillc@mcedd.org for an application or for answers to your questions. Completed applications should be emailed to her at jillc@mcedd.org. If you’re passionate about Sherman County’s agricultural future and want to help ensure these funds create lasting benefits for our community, we encourage you to apply. For more information, please contact: Jill Catherine Project Manager Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) jillc@mcedd.org 541-296-2266 ext. 1006   [Continue Reading]

MCEDD

802 Chenowith Loop Rd,
The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone: (541) 296-2266

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