Clark County councilors approve ADO designation for CREDC

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Despite lingering concerns by at least one member, the Clark County Board of Councilors voted unanimously to grant approval for the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) to retain the county’s Associate Development Organization (ADO) status.

The vote by councilors David Madore, Tom Mielke and Jeanne Stewart Wednesday ended a week of political wrangling between Madore and CREDC officials over the organization’s support for the Mill Plain I-5 Interchange project.

At a meeting on May 20, Madore expressed concern about the CREDC’s support for the project, which was identified as a priority interchange upgrade in the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project package. The cost of the project is estimated at between $80-100 million.

In a series of emails with CREDC President Mike Bomar, Madore asked that the CREDC remain neutral on the Mill Plain I-5 Interchange project.

“The CREDC Board voted unanimously to reject that request and then appealed to other elected representatives on their behalf who then urged us to approve the ADO designation unconditionally,’’ Madore said, referring to a letter sent to the councilors and signed by 11 area legislators. “I greatly respect the requests of the elected representatives of our community who strive to faithfully represent the people.



“So we approved the ADO designation, but we continue to urge them to reconsider our appeal,’’ Madore added. “The CREDC is charged with the task of bringing new business to our community and, with some new leadership, has the opportunity to improve in that capacity.’’

Madore expressed appreciation for the work of Bomar and the CREDC.

“We are striving to work together for the good of our community even if we sometimes disagree or misunderstand some of the strategies and tactics,’’ the councilor said. “We will listen and continue to search out clear answers to increase our mutual understanding. Thanks for being patient with us. We don't always see eye to eye, but we will strive to work together as a team with good will.’’

The ADO designation qualified the CREDC for about $165,000, or 19 percent of its non-grant budget, in annual support from the state Commerce Department to support business services, according to Madore.

Every two years, the Department of Commerce begins the process to re-designate county ADOs. Forms must be completed and returned to the Department of Commerce before June 15 in order for the organizations to receive their share of the state funding.