Klamath Falls, OR (February 28, 2025) – Grocery retailer WinCo Foods has officially announced plans to open a new location in Klamath Falls, OR. Based in Boise, ID, the company has steadily expanded its presence across multiple states, and now operates 141 stores with more than 21,000 employee owners. Locally, WinCo has chosen an 11.5-acre site at the corner of Shasta Way and Avalon Street for its new development. The company plans to begin construction on the development in mid-March of 2025. The new store is estimated to be 84,000 sq.ft., and once completed, is expected to create 100-120 new jobs in the region.

“Klamath Falls is a great community and we could not be more excited to have WinCo become a part of it,” said Noah Fleisher, Spokesperson for WinCo Foods.  “KCEDA and its partners have been instrumental in this process, and we appreciate all their efforts in helping make this development possible.”

Representatives from the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA) expressed enthusiasm about the new store, viewing it as a positive sign of the county’s economic progress. KCEDA CEO, Randy Cox stated, “WinCo’s decision to establish a location here is indicative of our market’s growing appeal. The addition of their store will be a great asset to our community.”

KCEDA Project Manager, Andrew Stork, highlighted KCEDA and others collaboration with WinCo, expressing excitement to see the project move forward. “KCEDA has worked with WinCo leadership for a couple years and it has been a pleasure since day one. Over the course of our collaboration, we’ve gained a deeper sense as to how passionate the community is about securing a location here. It’ll be fun to see that hope come to fruition.” The economic development agency began work on the business recruitment project in 2022. Since then, KCEDA has performed a multitude of services for WinCo, providing assistance with site selection, market research, incentive packaging, and more.  According to Stork, additional partners involved with supporting the project’s advancement include the Klamath County Commissioners, Energy Trust of Oregon, and the City of Klamath Falls.

State Economist, Damon Runberg, providing updates on local and statewide economic forecasts at the 2024 Summit.

(January 9th, 2025 – Klamath Falls, OR) – Today, the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA) has announced that they will be hosting their annual Economic Summit later this January. The special event takes place on January 22nd, 2025 at the Ross Ragland Theater, from 8:30-12:00PM. Admission to the event costs $10, giving attendees access to the full program, in addition to coffee and other refreshments. The theme of this year’s event is “Building Resilience: Unlocking New Growth Pathways”, where presentations will focus on strategies, innovations, and partnerships aimed at fostering new opportunities for sustainable growth within Klamath County.

This year’s Economic Summit consists of several presentations from various experts from throughout the state and region, as well offers attendees a chance to participate in a Q&A session with a panel of community stakeholders representing different industries and interests within Klamath County. Presenters will be discussing important topics related to local agriculture, energy, artificial intelligence, finance, workforce, and more throughout the day. Additionally, Business Oregon Regional Economist, Damon Runberg will be participating in the program, providing attendees information on Klamath County’s economic and employment forecasts for the upcoming year. 

Commissioner Kelley Minty has worked with KCEDA to develop a compelling program that would explore several aspects of the county’s economy. Minty spoke about the return of the event, saying, “The Summit, with its quality presenters, will help foster connections and information sharing to bring Klamath County even greater economic development and support success as we embrace a new year. The opportunities for our business and community leadership to come together, speaking the same language, is inspiring and impactful each year.”

KCEDA CEO, Randy Cox, added to Minty’s comments, stating, “Unlocking new growth pathways for our business community creates vitality. We believe this Summit will show people how recent development efforts are shaping Klamath County’s economic future. You won’t want to miss it.” Cox will also be providing a presentation at the event, detailing KCEDA’s work over the past year and discussing active development projects the organization is presently involved with. 

Click here to purchase tickets for the event! KCEDA believes in making this event accessible to everyone. If cost is a barrier to people interested in participating, we offer opportunities for sponsored entry. Please reach out to andrew@teamklamath.com for more information on these options. 

The Economic Summit for 2025 is sponsored by the following organizations: Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union, Amazon, Pacific Power, RES (Resource Environmental Solutions), Avista Utilities, MSPCO (Molatore, Scroggin, Peterson & Co.), Business Oregon, Great Basin Insurance, 99-5 (The Fox), 92-5 (KLAD), and The Ross Ragland Theater. 

###

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — The U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced nearly $46 million in investments from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for ecosystem restoration activities that address high-priority Klamath Basin water-related challenges in southern Oregon and northern California.

In February, the Department announced a landmark agreement between the Klamath Tribes, Yurok Tribe, Karuk Tribe and Klamath Water Users Association to advance collaborative efforts to restore the Klamath Basin ecosystem and improve water supply reliability for Klamath Project agriculture. Funds announced today will support 24 restoration projects developed by signers of this agreement, as well as other Tribes and other conservation partners.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is funding restoration projects that will provide lasting ecological solutions, critical habitat restoration needed for threatened and endangered species, and agriculture resilience for the Klamath Basin,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “With the help of our partners in the basin, our shared commitment to protecting this ecosystem will benefit the watersheds, agriculture, forests and abundant populations of species that call this landscape home.”

“It’s inspiring to help advance our efforts to achieve a drought-resilient and restored ecosystem in this region,” said Service Director Martha Williams. “I am grateful for the work with Tribes and many partners to collectively choose projects focused on holistic solutions in the basin that will continue for many generations to come.”

Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Department is implementing more than $2 billion in investments to restore the nation’s lands and waters. To guide these historic investments, and in support of the President’s America the Beautiful initiative, the Department unveiled the Restoration and Resilience Framework, to support coordination across agency programs and drive transformational outcomes, including a commitment to advance collaborative efforts to restore the Klamath Basin ecosystem and improve water supply reliability for Klamath Project agriculture through the Klamath Keystone Initiative. By working collaboratively with ranchers, state and local governments, Tribal nations, and other stakeholders, the Department is working to build ecological resilience in core habitats and make landscape-scale restoration investments across this important ecosystem.

Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Service is investing a total of $162 million over five years to restore the Klamath region’s ecosystem and repair local economies. These investments will secure reliable water for the national wildlife refuges, advance the restoration of salmon post dam removal, address water quality and conveyance issues, and support co-developed restoration projects with Tribes, farmers and ranchers, and conservation partners.

As part of today’s investments, $13 million will be used to complete restoration of the Agency-Barnes wetland units of Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and provide fish habitat access in Fourmile and Sevenmile creeks. Covering 14,356 acres, the restored wetland will create vital habitat for waterfowl, federally endangered Lost River and shortnose suckers, and other species, making it one of the largest wetland restoration initiatives in the United States.

Other projects announced today will help to develop and restore wetlands, shorelines and native habitats around Lake Ewauna, Link River, Tule Lake, Scott River and upper Williamson River. These include:

Lake Ewauna Restoration for the Benefit of People, Fish and Wildlife, $3,000,000 – These funds will be used to develop and restore wetlands and shoreline around Lake Ewauna in downtown Klamath Falls, Ore., for the benefit of native fish and wildlife species and to tell the story of the local Tribes, farmers and communities in the Klamath Basin. Restorative improvements to habitat in Link River and instream habitat improvements within Lake Ewauna will benefit Lost River and shortnose suckers, native trout, migratory waterfowl and other species. With the recently removed Klamath dams, salmon and steelhead will also be migrating through Lake Ewauna for the first time in over a century.

Tule Lake Flow Through Infrastructure Improvement, $2,540,000 – This project encompasses a suite of infrastructure improvements and operational changes to provide natural ecosystem services with respect to water quality in the Klamath Basin. Water used for farmland irrigation would then flow through wetlands before returning to the Klamath River. In addition to water quality benefits for the Klamath River, this project will provide habitat for threatened and endangered fish, support migratory wildlife, recharge groundwater and provide other ecosystem benefits.

Scott River Habitat Restoration – Strengthening Resiliency of Farms and Fish, $1,850,000 – The Scott River supports the largest cohort of state and federally threatened wild coho salmon in California. However, seasonally low stream flows through the upper reach of the mainstem Scott River prevent access to vital headwater tributaries. This project will focus on recovery activities that enhance and extend surface flow connectivity to ensure sufficient instream flows are given priority, along with efforts to increase summer and winter rearing habitat that reduce lethal stream temperatures and fine sediment mobilization.

Upper Williamson River Restoration (Phase 2), $3,500,000 – This project will provide fish passage to over 26 miles of the upper Williamson River and reconnect several thousand acres of adjacent wetlands and riparian habitats within the Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge project area. Existing irrigation infrastructure and hydrologic modifications, including delivery ditches, drains and levees, currently limit fish passage and floodplain connectivity, alter timing and duration of flooding, hinder volitional movement of native fish species, and restrain the storage capacity of the Klamath Marsh. Funds will be directed to the removal of existing irrigation infrastructure, installation of fish screens, and creation of roughened channels for fish passage.

A full project list is available on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website.

To learn more about the impacts of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the Klamath Basin, tune into the Service’s Nature’s Infrastructure podcast. Explore Klamath Basin Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funded restoration projects in an interactive StoryMap.

Additional examples of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments may be found in the Service’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law annual report, and photos may be found in the Klamath Basin photo gallery.

###

Klamath Falls, OR (August 22nd, 2024) – The Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA) announced today that community tradition, the Klamath Basin Oktoberfest, is officially scheduled for September 21st, 2024. This is aligned with the same date the historic German Oktoberfest opens.  

Whether you wear lederhosen or Levi’s, what’s for certain is you won’t want to miss this festival come fall. The event has had groundbreaking attendance in previous years, attracting between 2,000-3,000 people on average, representing a welcome mix of local residents and travelers from regions throughout the West Coast. According to representatives of KCEDA, the event is on track to bring in record-high attendance, so get your tickets early at www.klamathbasinoktoberfest.com.  

Located at the Bill Collier Ice Arena on the Running Y Ranch & Resort, the event will take place on Saturday, September 21st  from Noon to 9:00pm. As a regional gathering, The Klamath Basin Oktoberfest brings the community and  tourists together to celebrate the remarkable brew, food, and entertainment options that exist right here in Southern Oregon. In addition to the many notable vendors participating at the event, there is also a wide selection of family friendly games and activities for people of all ages to enjoy.   

KCEDA staff is currently underway with event preparations. KCEDA CEO, Randy Cox, discussed the event, stating, “We have added some exciting new elements to Oktoberfest this year and look forward to having the event be a showcase of Klamath County. The brews, food, and entertainment will celebrate what makes our region special. None of this is possible without the support of the County Commissioners and our many sponsors. I encourage people to mark September 21st on their calendar and pre-order tickets.” Premiere sponsors of the event are Klamath County, Swan Lake Energy, Nextera Energy, and Nick Alexander Films.  

For pre-sale tickets, please visit  https://klamathoktoberfest.org/event/klamath-basin-oktoberfest-2024/or check the Klamath Basin Oktoberfest’s social media pages for regular updates surrounding the event.  

About the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA) 

Since 1975, KCEDA has reflected the best of private enterprise, responsibility and dedication. Its mission is to lead economic development and diversification of Klamath County through targeted recruitment & attraction, business  retention & expansion, small business development and entrepreneurship. learn more about KCEDA and how they can help you, please visit their website, www.ChooseKlamath.com, or contact their offices using the information below.  

Klamath Falls, OR (June 5, 2024) – In a joint press release, the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA), the City of Klamath Falls, and real estate development firm, Pure Development, have announced that a new distribution center will be coming to Klamath Falls. The center will be located along Altamont Drive next to the airport, and is expected to begin construction this summer. Based out of Indianapolis, Pure Development has an extensive history developing facilities across the United States, having a proven portfolio in creating manufacturing spaces, corporate headquarters, and distribution centers. The facility they will be building in Klamath Falls will be operated by Amazon once complete. 

“Amazon is excited to bring a delivery station to Klamath Falls to better serve our customers in the area,” said Easton Craft, manager of economic development for Amazon. “We’re grateful for our partnership with the Klamath County Economic Development Association and Pure Development. We look forward to sharing more details about this facility in the future.”

Discussing the news, KCEDA CEO, Randy Cox, stated, “An advantage for businesses developing in Klamath County is our location. Amazon and Pure Development’s investment in a new distribution center is further proof of the value our region can provide to companies who seek optimal logistics to markets along the west coast. We are excited to have them begin construction alongside many other new developments taking place over the next 12 months.”  

Additionally, City Manager, Jonathan Teichert spoke about the project, commenting, “It’s exciting to be able to share this news publicly. We have been in discussions with KCEDA and Pure Development over the past year, and today are pleased to have an Amazon operation join our community. We believe this facility is a great indication of the progress our economy continues to make.” 

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – June 3, 2024 – Klamath Basin Behavioral Health (KBBH) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at 705 Washburn Way for their new 16-bed Mental Health Residential Treatment Facility and 5-chair Crisis Stabilization Center. The event marked a significant milestone in expanding mental health services within the community. The ceremony was attended by KBBH leadership and Board members, representatives from the architecture and construction companies, and local officials. Commissioner DeGroot expressed his enthusiasm for the project stating, “The County was pleased to transfer property to support this expansion of mental health services. This partnership brings us closer to meeting the mental health needs in our community.”

KBBH Board Chair Randy Cox echoed these sentiments, stating, “This new facility represents a major step forward in behavioral healthcare in our region. We look forward to the increased service capacity this expansion will bring.”

KBBH CEO Kendall Alexander emphasized the critical role this facility will play in addressing the demand for mental health services. “With the support of two Oregon Health Authority grants, we are making a substantial investment in the mental wellbeing of our community. This new center will double our current capacity for mental health respite and residential services and introduce 24/7 Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization to Klamath County. This expansion is positioned to reduce costs for our partners in the hospital and corrections systems, but most importantly, will provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals on their journey to mental wellbeing.”

Scheduled to open in the summer of 2025, this project exemplifies KBBH’s commitment to enhancing the quality and accessibility of mental health care in Klamath County.

###

About Klamath Basin Behavioral Health
Klamath Basin Behavioral Health (KBBH) is the largest behavioral health provider for children,
adolescents, adults, and families in southern Oregon. KBBH is a Certified Community
Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and serves as the Community Mental Health Program in
Klamath County. Learn more at KBBH.org.

Klamath Falls, OR (May 7, 2024) – Today, the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA) announced that three companies in Klamath County are each expanding as a result of upgraded rail infrastructure. Basin Fertilizer & Chemical Co, Gilchrist Forest Products, and Wilsonart, have all undergone recent efforts to enhance their freight capabilities in the region. With the help of KCEDA, each company was able to acquire funding to improve rail infrastructure at all three facility locations. Working with state agencies and elected officials, KCEDA had lobbied for funding to support these infrastructure projects, ultimately securing nearly $5M in awards to assist the companies with executing the work needed at each rail location. Wilsonart and Basin Fertilizer are nearly complete with installing this infrastructure, whereas Gilchrist is expected to begin their rail improvements later this year. 

Representatives for Basin Fertilizer and Wilsonart spoke about the recent upgrades. Manager for Basin Fertilizer, Chris O’Grady, commented, “These improvements will help us take our business to new heights, and we are grateful for the work KCEDA and its partners have done to position our expansion for success.” Speaking on behalf of Wilsonart, Plant Manager, Rebecca Mendez stated, “We are excited to see the plant evolve and believe the new rail upgrades will enhance Wilsonart’s west coast operations. KCEDA was instrumental in helping us get here.” 

Discussing the development projects collectively, KCEDA CEO, Randy Cox, commented on why this infrastructure is important to these employers and how their expansions benefit the area economy. Cox states, “Transportation plays a key role in many traded-sector operations. Companies need to have optimal supply and distribution channels to remain competitive within their respective industries, and these capital improvements support that. Expanding the rail infrastructure for Wilsonart, Gilchrist Forest Products, and Basin Fertilizer will help our region position these companies for further growth, both now and long-term.” 

According to KCEDA, the combined impact of these local expansions represents over 50 new jobs, nearly $60M in capital investment, and an estimated $1.4M in additional tax revenue to the regional economy. 

#####