TD Council Approves Chamber Contract, Airport Agreements and Library HVAC Upgrade
The Dalles, Ore., June 4, 2025 – The Dalles City Council approved three major funding actions during its June 2 meeting, including a new contract for tourism promotion, agreements supporting hangar development at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport, and replacement of the library’s aging HVAC system.
Chamber of Commerce Tourism Contract
Chamber Executive President Farquharson
Council unanimously authorized the city manager to enter into a $465,000 contract with The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce for tourism promotion services.
The Chamber’s proposal includes hiring an executive tourism director and applying for a $93,000 Travel Oregon grant to help create a destination development plan.
The new contract includes provisions for cruise ship coordination, visitor services, and marketing, and allows a maximum 3% annual increase in future years.
Columbia Gorge Regional Airport Agreements
Two key airport items were approved under the consent agenda:
Enabled a Small Business Administation loan for Planecave, LLC to support an the development of two hangars with capacity for up to 18 planes. Council essentially vouched for Planecave stating the LLC is a tenant is in good standing, and it establish the rights of the SBA if the Planecave defaults.
The city also authorized an Agreement and Mortgage and Covenant of Purpose and Use to help Klickitat County secure a $5 million U.S. Economic Development Administration grant for an aviation workforce training hangar. The agreements ensure the city and Klickitat County, as joint property owners, remain eligible for federal funds.
Library HVAC Replacement
Council approved a contract with AireX to replace the HVAC system at The Dalles-Wasco County Library.
The total project cost is $423,640.
It will be jointly funded by the city and the library district, with $115,000 in additional funding secured through a federal energy grant.
The 1967 HVAC system will be replaced this fall, improving the library's role as a clean air shelter during emergencies.
Youth Essay Winner & Robotics Team Recognized
The council meeting opened with recognition of two student achievements.
"If I Were Mayor" Essay Winner
The Dalles High School Freshman Samson Mastin was awarded at the council meeting for winning the If I were Mayor contest with his video submission looking to create a pothole committee among other goals.
Samson Masten, a freshman, was honored as the city’s 2025 "If I Were Mayor" contest winner for his video essay. His ideas included forming a volunteer pothole committee and enhancing environmental efforts through better trash disposal strategies.
Syntax Error Robotics Team
The Syntax team gets a photo with The Dalles Mayor Rich Mays.
The Dalles High School robotics team, Syntax Error, was honored for winning its third straight Oregon state robotics title and placing in the top 5% at the VEX World Championships. Senior Zach Banks was recognized for earning admission to OSU’s engineering program, continuing the team’s tradition of academic excellence.
Council members praised both students and the robotics team for bringing pride to the community.
