Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
In 2022 The Port of Chehalis received a USDA grant to seek funding to complete a feasibility study and business plan to determine the likelihood of successfully forming a countywide Direct Farm Marketing Association (LCDFMA), and gauge the impact of the proposal on the local food system. The project’s intent was to also develop a strategic plan to guide the development of the proposed association. The outcome of the feasibility study was to recommend that the Port, with other local agencies, shift the remainder of the grant funding towards developing a strategic plan for Lewis County. A document called a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) was in need of updating and it was identified that the addition of agriculture to the strategy was necessary.
The Economic Alliance of Lewis County utilized grant funding to generate the CEDS document, and the Port of Chehalis contributed the remainder of the USDA grant funding to funding the inclusion of the agricultural section of the CEDS.
A big thank you to the Economic Alliance of Lewis County, Northwest Business and Agricultural Center, Lewis County, and Discover Lewis County for their cooperation and/or funding to get this project finished.