Local governments and nonprofit agencies hoping for federal or state dollars for projects have until May 26, 2004, to submit project notifications to the Clatsop County Community Development Department for the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department’s 2004 Needs and Issues Inventory.

The inventory spotlights projects related to economic development that are important to the local community and need financial help to be accomplished. Many state and federal agencies use the inventory when deciding which local projects to fund, either through grants or loans. The Northwest Oregon Economic Alliance and the Northwest Oregon Regional Partnership use the inventory when deciding which projects to promote for funding.

Eligible projects include construction of community facilities or infrastructure, master, marketing or strategic plans for projects, feasibility studies, surveys, technical assistance and ecosystem work. Sponsors can be a city, county, nonprofit or special district.

The Clatsop County Community Development Department assembles and submits the list of local projects to the state. The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners ranks the local projects, based on recommendations from the Clatsop County Economic Development Council Executive Board.

Listing a project on the inventory does not guarantee funding.

This year, OECD has made it possible for sponsors of current and new projects to use its web site: www.econ.state.or.us/needs_issue.htm. All forms are available on the web site or can be requested from the county Community Development Department by calling 325-8611.

All local project proposals and updates must be turned in no later than 5 p.m. March 26 to the Community Development Department, 800 Exchange St., Suite 100, Astoria, to be considered for prioritization on the inventory. Project applications should be submitted on disk or via e-mail to jnevan@co.clatsop.or.us.

The CEDC Executive Board will review the submissions April 7 at 6 p.m. in the Clatsop County Public Services Building 800, 800 Exchange St., conference room 300, in Astoria. Sponsors who wish may make brief presentations. The executive board will complete its prioritization of the projects April 9 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Armold Conference Room in 800 Exchange St.

The county commissioners will make the final approval of the priorities May 12.

For assistance or questions pertaining to this year’s Needs and Issues process or completing project notification forms, contact the Clatsop County Community Development Department, 800 Exchange, Suite 100, Astoria, OR 97103; phone: (503) 325-8611.