Oregon and Washington Aviation Staff Visit Columbia Gorge to Explore Region's Aviation Assets
From Mid-Columbia Economic Development District:
The Dalles, Ore., April 4, 2024 – The Columbia River Gorge recently welcomed representatives from the Oregon Department of Aviation and the Washington Department of Transportation, Aviation Division, on a comprehensive tour organized by the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD)
On March 27 and 28, the group visited key aviation-related businesses and institutions in the region to learn about the area's aerospace industry, educational resources, and infrastructure development.
The tour was the next step in the implementation of Washington Department of Commerce’s Innovative Cluster Accelerator Project (ICAP) Launch grant which MCEDD received last year. The initial step was the creation of a forum for collaboration among the area’s high tech industry companies as an uncrewed aerial system (UAS) and remote sensing innovation cluster in the Columbia Gorge region. MCEDD held a series of meetings with the Gorge Technology Alliance (GTA) companies, local government and higher education representatives to explore the challenges and opportunities for future growth. With the goals and needs of the cluster set, the next step was to develop a presence and create strong partnerships with both states’ aviation industry representatives.
The tour included visits to industry leaders in the aerospace sector, including Insitu and Sagetech, as well as the Sierra Nevada Corporation. Participants explored manufacturing spaces, spoke with company representatives, and learned about ongoing projects and challenges faced by these innovative businesses. Discussions included advancements in aviation technology, workforce development initiatives, and strategies for industry growth in the Columbia River Gorge.
"We were delighted to host representatives from the Oregon Department of Aviation and the Washington Department of Transportation, Aviation Division, in the Columbia River Gorge," said Jason Hartmann, Project Manager at both MCEDD and GTA. "This visit provided a valuable platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, highlighting the region's strengths in aerospace and fostering connections between industry, government, and educational institutions."
On the second day, participants visited the Columbia Gorge Community College, where they toured the Skills Center and the Electro-mechanical Technologies lab. The visit showcased the college's commitment to providing students with hands-on training and education relevant to the aerospace industry. Participants learned about the college's role in nurturing talent and supporting workforce development in the region.
The tour ended with a visit to the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport where participants learned about the airport's expansion plans and its significance as a transportation hub for the region and its role in major emergency relief operations (Cascadia Earthquake). Discussions included infrastructure upgrades, airspace management, and opportunities to better connect outside the region and grow businesses through aviation.
This visit by the Oregon Department of Aviation and the Washington Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division brings recognition and confirmation of the Columbia River Gorge region as an aerospace sector hub for innovation, education and economic growth. The cluster’s collaboration between industry, government, and educational institutions is now ready to continue improvements and seek opportunities in the region's aviation community that will create more opportunity and recognition worldwide.
For more information about the Columbia River Gorge's aviation assets and economic development initiatives, please contact Jason Hartmann at the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District at jason@mcedd.org.
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