Northern Wasco County PUD Announces 2026 Economic Development Program Recipients

Jun 12

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Northern Wasco County PUD:

By Karen Heim

The Dalles, Ore., June 11, 2026 — Northern Wasco County People's Utility District (NWCPUD) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Economic Development Program (EDP), awarding funds to four organizations whose projects promote economic growth and community vitality within the PUD's service territory.

“We're proud to support projects that reflect the energy and creativity of our community,” said Roger Kline, General Manager and CEO of Northern Wasco County PUD. “From historic preservation to local food production to public art and gathering spaces, this year's recipients are investing in what makes The Dalles and Wasco County a great place to live and do business.”

The following organizations received awards:

Muirhead Canning Co. — $18,520 Muirhead Canning has long been a draw for the region, bringing thousands of customers into Wasco County each year to pick up orders of locally grown, hand-processed fruit. Their "Freeze Drying in Wasco County" project expands that tradition into a new product line — and with it, the opportunity to bring even more visitors to the area who eat at local restaurants, shop in local stores, and experience everything Wasco County has to offer. The expansion has already created new jobs at the Mill Creek Road facility.

St. Peter's Landmark Preservation, Inc. — $7,500 St. Peter's Landmark Preservation received funding for the Old St. Peter's North Side Beautification project, which will replace a deteriorated curb and add a new sidewalk along the north side of one of The Dalles' most iconic buildings. The work addresses long-standing trip and slip hazards for the thousands of visitors St. Peter’s welcomes each year, while enhancing the streetscape along a busy gateway into downtown.

The Dalles Lions Club Charitable Trust — $10,000 The Lions Club received funding toward a water feature for the new Federal Street Plaza, a major public gathering space in the heart of downtown The Dalles. The plaza is part of a larger $3.4 million community investment and is expected to attract residents and visitors alike to the city center.

Various Artists, LLC — $2,500 Various Artists LLC received an award toward The Golden Thread, a mural project in the alleyways of downtown The Dalles. Building on the city's reputation as a destination for public art, this project will add new visual artwork to the downtown corridor.

NWCPUD's Economic Development Program provides monetary grants to projects located within the PUD's service territory that promote economic growth and community well- being. Applications for the 2027 program are expected to open in early 2027. For more information, visit nwascopud.org or follow NWCPUD on Facebook.

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Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District (NWCPUD) is a customer-owned utility that provides nearly 25,000 people and businesses with utility services in Wasco County, Oregon. Formed in August 1939 and first delivering power in April 1949, NWCPUD’s mission is to be the leader in delivering reliable, affordable utility services guided by and accountable to the communities we serve. As our name implies, “people” are what we are all about. For more information, please visit: https://www.nwascopud.org/.