$120k Planning grants to assist in rebuilding Rowena
Grant gets bumped $20k to help pay for planning related to the Rowena Fire
The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 1, 2025 — The Wasco County Board of Commissioners will consider accepting a $120,000 planning grant, approving a new opioid settlement agreement, and renaming a livestock arena in honor of a longtime fair volunteer during its regular session on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
Gorge Scenic Area grant includes boost for fire recovery
The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) is awarding Wasco County a two-year, $120,000 grant to support planning efforts in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The grant includes an additional $20,000 beyond the base allocation to recognize increased staffing burdens from the Rowena Fire.
According to a memo from Community Development Director Kelly Howsley-Glover, the funds will help cover zoning code updates, enforcement, coordination with the Gorge Commission, and public outreach efforts in the scenic area. The county is expected to submit two reimbursement requests by the 2027 deadline, with the first installment of $70,000 available after June 30, 2026.
The board is scheduled to vote on a motion to approve the grant agreement.
Rodger Nichols became the interim Wasco County representative on the Gorge Commission after Elaine Albrich resigned earlier this year.
Swine arena will be renamed for longtime volunteer
Drew Myron captured this wonderful shot of Bob Gustafson when he was building osprey platforms for Wasco Electric Coop poles. Thanks Drew. Click here to read her story.
Also on the agenda is a proposal to rename the Swine Arena at the Wasco County Fairgrounds in honor of Bob Gustafson, who served as a 4-H leader and Swine Barn Superintendent for nearly 50 years. Gustafson was previously recognized as “Outstanding Individual Supporter” by the Oregon Fairs Association and was a past Wasco County Fair Grand Marshal.
The 4-H organization has offered to fund a new sign and hopes to officially honor Gustafson during the Sunday awards ceremony at this year’s fair. A motion before the board would approve renaming the facility as the "Bob Gustafson Swine Arena."
Budget shift redirects funding to NORCOR jail
Commissioners will also vote on a resolution to reduce the county’s Community Corrections budget by $209,328 after the state legislature cut allocations to local corrections programs. Of that total, $83,731 in lost funding was earmarked for NORCOR, the regional jail.
To make up the difference, Finance Director Mike Middleton is proposing a transfer within the General Fund to maintain NORCOR support without increasing overall expenditures. The shift moves money from a flexible line item to directly cover jail costs, keeping the budget balanced.
Other items on the agenda
Facilities Vehicle Purchase: The Facilities Services Division is seeking approval to purchase a 2025 Ford F-250 SuperCab XL 4 x 4 at a cost of $54, 850.
Purdue Pharma’s Oxycontin
Opioid Settlement: Wasco County is signing on to a direct settlement with Purdue Pharma related to national opioid litigation. The agreement includes releases of legal claims and potential monetary compensation to be used for opioid remediation efforts. It appears from documentation from the settlement that Wasco County is set to receive about $150,000 over 9 years based on the statewide settlement figures and county percentages.
Fee Schedule Hearing: A public hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to consider updates to the county’s building code fee schedule. A proposed ordinance (25-003) would adjust permit costs and related service charges.
Energy Policy Resolution: At 9:50 a.m., the board will review a proposed resolution (25-016) opting out of a state administrative rule related to commercial solar energy siting. The policy outlines local control standards and coordination requirements.
The board will meet in person at 401 E. 3rd St. in The Dalles and virtually via Zoom. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. Executive session may be held at the end of the meeting to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation.
