Wasco County eyes sober living grant and Hunt Park upgrades

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Apr 14

The Dalle, Ore., April 14, 2026 — Wasco County Commissioners will meet Wednesday to decide on several major funding agreements and policy changes, including a new role providing IT support for the regional jail and a formalization of homeless camping enforcement rules.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the 401 E. Third Street, The Dalles.

Click here for the full agenda and background information.

MENTAL HEALTH AND HOUSING

The board is set to approve a $193,448 grant to continue a program aimed at keeping people with mental health and addiction issues out of jail. The county acts as a middleman for this state funding, passing it to local programs like Bridges to Health and Mid-Columbia Center for Living. The money supports a three-unit sober housing project and staff who help clients find jobs and permanent homes.

HUNT PARK UPGRADES

A $183,828 project to beautify Hunt Park is up for approval. Most of the cost is covered by a state grant, with the county paying about $46,000. Beyond just looks, the county is replacing over 120 picnic tables and fire pits to ensure the park stays eligible for specific state RV funding.

REGIONAL JAIL TECH SUPPORT

In a new partnership, the county’s IT department is proposing to take over network and security management for NORCOR regional jail. NORCOR would pay the county roughly $47,448 a year for the services. This moves the county into a larger role as a regional service provider, handling critical tasks for the jail like disaster recovery and data center maintenance.

CAMPING POLICY

Commissioners will vote to formally ratify rules for enforcing camping bans on county property. The policy requires officials to give people 72 hours' notice before they are moved and mandates that social services be notified. It frames arrests and citations as a last resort, focusing instead on "humane treatment" while keeping public lands clear.

OTHER AGENDA ITEMS

SOAK Festival: A public hearing will be held for a mass gathering permit for the SOAK event in late May at Justesen Ranch, which could bring up to 2,700 people to the area.
Fort Dalles Museum: The board will consider skipping the standard competitive bidding process for a new vehicle building at the museum at 500 W. 15th Street, The Dalles in an effort to save time and manage costs.