EDC announces funding grant from WCF/Bradwood Landing Fund

The Lower Columbia Economic Development Council received a grant in the amount of $12,500 from The Wahkiakum Community Foundation that will help the Council with staffing and administration needs.

The Community Foundation’s grant, which was donated by the Bradwood Landing Fund, will help the Economic Development Council (EDC) bring new economic development to Wahkiakum County, in particular new employment opportunities for the region’s workers.

“We need to expand economic opportunities in Wahkiakum County for all of our residents,” noted Richard Erickson, Executive Director of the EDC. “With the recent drops in revenue from the County’s timber holdings and less revenue for the County has created funding cuts on various County Programs. “When the County cut $12,500 from the EDC funding for 2007 the Community Foundation’s Bradwood Landing Fund Committee members recognized our organization’s need and stepped up to the plate to help us maintain all of our important programs.

“The EDC receives funding from 5 different sources and operates on a shoe string, when funding is reduced we have to cut staff. This grant will go a long way in helping us cover our overhead costs, which allows us to continue working on some very important programs that will grow the County’s tax base.”

“The EDC focuses on bringing in industry, development, retail and tourism. New growth demands new businesses and employment to the County, which in turn will help support the local tax base and help the county provide the all-important services our citizens deserve” Erickson said.

The Wahkiakum Community Foundation was founded to encourage philanthropy among the people of Wahkiakum County and the Lower Columbia region to benefit and enrich families, build a strong economy in the region, and promote a healthy environment. This grant supports the Foundation’s mission of building a strong economy.