HERMISTON, Ore.-The Hermiston City Council approved the first reading of ordinances to expand the urban growth boundary (UGB) in the South Hermiston Industrial Park by about 810 acres at its regular meeting on August 25.
“This UGB expansion sets the groundwork for significant long-term growth and economic diversification which helps add critical stability to Umatilla County, which is the economic heart of eastern Oregon,” said Mark Morgan, Assistant City Manager.
Hermiston’s 2024 Economic Opportunities Analysis identified a lack of large industrial parcels of 100 acres or more within the existing UGB needed to attract data centers.
A Hyperscale Data Center Overlay zone will be applied to the land to reserve it for data center use, and all landowners in the area that would be affected by the proposed expansion have submitted letters of consent for annexation, according to the City of Hermiston.
“The jobs associated with this expansion will help counter-balance economic cycles in the region’s other foundational industry sectors like agriculture, transportation, forestry, and government services, and provide much-needed financial security for households across the region,” said Morgan.
The Hermiston Planning Commission unanimously recommended the UGB expansion at a hearing on August 13, and the proposal now moves to a second set of readings by the City Council on September 8, before the Umatilla County Planning Commission and the Umatilla County Board of Commissioners consider the matter.
The Hermiston City Council also approved Resolution 2392, beginning the process of forming a Local Improvement District (LID) to upgrade Northwest 2nd Street between Elm and Cherry streets, on August 25.
The gravel road is expected to see more traffic during planned lane modifications on Highway 207 that will restrict left turns near the Highway 395 intersection, according to the City.
The City of Hermiston will contribute $75,000 toward the project to reduce costs for impacted property owners under a revised funding plan presented as part of Resolution 2392.
A public hearing on the potential LID is scheduled for September 8, at which time City Council will decide whether to officially establish the LID.
