By RAELYNN RICARTE
News staff writer

Patti Smith, former state legislator, has been appointed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski to the Columbia River Gorge Oregon Investment Board.

The new position is the first taken by Smith since she left office in January. The Corbett rancher served for eight years representing District 52, which encompasses Hood River County.

Smith, a Republican, decided not to seek re-election in 2008 and the position is now held by Rep. Suzanne VanOrman, D-Hood River.

Smith replaces Robert Brown as OIB’s representative from Multnomah County. She brings to the table her experience as chair of the House Trade and Economic Development Committee and Tourism Legislator of the Year.

“I am going to be an advocate for economic development; our Gorge communities have high unemployment rates and need more jobs,” said Smith.

She said $998,250 still remains to be allocated out of the $5 million authorized to Oregon under the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act of 1986. Smith believes the federal government needs to come up with that funding to aid area communities that are struggling financially, in part, because of protection regulations.

She said the second purpose of the NSA was to promote economic development within urban areas. She is looking forward to working with the OIB toward that end for the next three years.

“Patti provides a unique perspective for the western section of the NSA,” said Amanda Remington, executive director for MCEDD.

“As a residence of Corbett, she is currently our primary advocate for those needs.”

To date, the OIB has helped businesses retain or create 298 jobs. OIB funds have also leveraged more than $10 million in private investment and $11 in private investment.

“I really hope to be able to make a difference for the people who live and work in the Gorge,” Smith said.

Multnomah County Commission Chair Ted Wheeler supported Smith’s appointment. In a written communication to Kulongoski, he stated that she could provide valuable experience from both the private and public sectors of business.

The OIB is charged with setting policy for the Oregon Economic Development Plan. Staffing for the OIB and administration of NSA funding is provided by Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, which is headquartered in The Dalles.

The OIB also develops funding criteria and makes allocation decisions for projects within Hood River, Wasco and Multnomah counties. Projects approved by the panel have to be certified by the Gorge Commission as consistent with the NSA, the management plan and land-use ordinances.

Businesses and organizations within OIB’s jurisdiction can apply for NSA grants of up to $10,000 and revolving loans. As of February 2009, the OIB had awarded $1,431,451 in grants and $4,633,926 in loans.

Volunteering with Smith on the OIB are Mark Cherniack, Wasco County; Sue Powers, Hood River County; Gary Rains, Hood River County; Andrea Klaas, member at large; and Joan Silva, Wasco County.