Economic Development, Permitting & Incentives
Through regulatory, grant and contracting opportunities with the private sector, Portland has accelerated the development of the biofuels market by:
Increasing the number of gallons of biofuels produced and sold in Portland, and secondarily in Oregon- Improving the ease, efficiency and cost effectiveness of storing, blending and distributing high blends of biofuels
- Furthering the development of Oregon-grown feedstock supply chains and supporting the growth of farmer or cooperatively owned facilities and partnerships that enable farmers to share ownership throughout the value chain of their feedstock
Economic Development & Permitting
Portland Development Commission: PDC's mission is to bring together resources to achieve Portland's vision of a diverse, sustainable community with healthy neighborhoods, a vibrant central city, a strong regional economy, and quality jobs and housing for all. www.pdc.us
We're committed to a healthy Portland economy based on thriving local businesses that are growing, adding jobs for local residents, and supported by local government advocacy, marketing and effective business development programs.
- We help firms use PDC loans, labor force systems, SBA, state and local financial and real estate resources
- We provide networking opportunities for firms to work together to solve common problems, and to access industry, neighborhood, and business associations
- We assist firms in solving local problems: permits, zoning, marketing, and infrastructure
- We're a resource for current business statistics on economic diversity, transportation systems; population and income; labor force and employment; business, land and building costs; tax structure; health and education facilities; and climate and livability. Publications include the Portland Fact Book; Business Resource Directory, and New Business Checklist among others.
Oregon Department of Energy: http://egov.oregon.gov/ENERGY/CONS/BUS/bushome.shtml
Business Energy Tax Credit: http://egov.oregon.gov/ENERGY/CONS/BUS/BETC.shtml
State Energy Loan Program: http://egov.oregon.gov/ENERGY/LOANS/index.shtml
Oregon Institute of Technology; Oregon Renewable Energy Center: http://www.oit.edu/orec
Siting Process for Energy Facilities: http://egov.oregon.gov/ENERGY/SITING/process.shtml
PDC Sustainable Target Industry Work: http://www.pdc.us/bus_serv/target_industries/sustainable.asp
For Economic Development related questions: Pam Neal (503) 823-3428
For Permitting (building) related questions: Charles Auch (503) 823-4215
Providing Incentives and Outreach
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Nearly $570,000 in biofuels investment and infrastructure grants were awarded by Portland in 2007 to help:
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Scientists study improved biofuels cropping practices;
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A farmer to buy oilseed crushers and analyzing equipment;
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A local biodiesel producer to expand capacity;
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A local petroleum distributor to install biofuels blending equipment; and
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Several local retailers to install equipment for selling high blends of biofuels.
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Portland has worked in partnership with regional stakeholders to develop outreach materials, including radio ads, to encourage large diesel fleet operators to switch to high blends of biodiesel.
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Outreach materials developed through this partnership, including biodiesel fact sheets, are available at: http://www.biofuels4business.com/
For more information contact Michele Crim (503) 823-5638
