Business Assistance

The Dalles Urban Renewal Agency

Property Rehabilitation Grant and Loan Programs

The Columbia Gateway/Downtown Urban Renewal Plan and Report allows for a variety of projects and activities including Property Rehabilitation Grant and Loan Programs. The program consists of the Historic Design and Restoration Program and the Redevelopment of Unused and Underused Property and Civic Improvements Program as funds are available.

Historic Design and Restoration Program

The Urban Renewal Agency will provide design services and loan interest rate subsidies to assist in the financing for the restoration and renovation of historic building and buildings located in the Historic Districts in the Urban Renewal Area.

The Agency will provide a one-time grant of up to $3000 for professional architectural and engineering design services for restoration meeting historically compatible requirements and other city regulations. The grants are intended to assist the applicant in obtaining preliminary designs and cost estimates prior to starting a projects. It is expected that additional design work and detailed specifications will be required and included as part of the projects that is funded by the loan and/or other funds.

The Agency will subsidize interest rates on loans to pay for the restoration work according to the approved designs. The Agency will buy down the interest rate that the bank charges up to 12 points below the bank's standard rate for such loans. The effective rate for the borrower will be 0% in most cases.

Redevelopment of Unused and Underused Property and Civic Improvements Program

To encourage redevelopment of unused and underused land and buildings and other civic improvements, the Agency will provide interest rate subsidies and grants for business, civic, residential, cultural , and tourist-related property within the Urban Renewal District to be developed, redeveloped, improved, rehabilitated and/or conserved. Grants shall be made to public, nonprofit, and civic organizations and on uses that serve a public purpose.

The agency will subsidize interest rates on loans to pay for the restoration work according to the approved designs. The Agency will buy down the interest rate that the bank charges up to 12 points below the bank's standard rate for such loans. The effective rate for the borrower will be 0% in most cases.

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The Port of The Dalles
3636 Klindt Drive

The Port of The Dalles is dedicated to the enhancement, development and maintenance of economic activities within the Port District's boundaries. This district, under the direction of its board of commissioners, owns and maintains a public marina facility, a recreation park and an industrial park. The Port is dedicated to making business growth as well as relocation successful. The port is current home to distribution companies, food processing, manufacturing and construction companies. For a complete listing of the businesses located within The Port of The Dalles as well as information on sites that are currently available, please call (800) 901-7678 or click here (Port of The Dalles) to go directly to the Port's web site.

Columbia Gorge Community College
Small Business Development Center
400 E. Scenic Drive

Columbia Gorge Community College offers a Small Business Development Center that provides free one-on-one business counseling, seminars and workshops and a Small Business Management Program. In addition to the educational and consulting servies offered through this organization, the center oversees a test kitchen that is available for product development and production. For more information on this and the other programs and services offered to encourage and promote successful business in the region, go to www.cgcc.cc.or.us/SBDC/SBDC.htm.

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see also Oregon Enterprise Zone        DEQ Business Response Team

The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce
404 W. 2nd Street
The Dalles, Oregon 97058
(541) 296-2231 Fax: (541) 296-1688 (800) 255-3385
email:info@tdedc.com

This site is made possible through Economic Development Funds provided by
Northern Wasco Public Utilities District.
Site design e-Service.

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