Agency OKs gorge development
The approval is the first step toward clearing the way for building a multimillion-dollar resort
The Oregonian
By Brad Schmidt, The Oregonian
STEVENSON, Wash. -- The agency charged by Congress with protecting the Columbia River Gorge voted Tuesday to revise its land-use management plan in a move that could clear the way for development of a large-scale resort featuring several hundred individually owned housing units.
The controversial 10-2 decision by the Columbia River Gorge Commission marks the first step toward construction of an estimated $80-million to $90-million recreation resort with townhouse or condo-style units the size of small homes. It would be the only resort on land outside designated urban areas in the gorge. Opponents say it is residential housing masquerading as a "commercial recreation" project.
