Transportation and Development

Government Camp Village

Year Formed: 1989

Area: Approximately 8,960 acres on the west slopes of Mt. Hood.

Purpose: To target public investments toward revitalizing this mountain community and encourage private developments such as resorts, hotel and condominium units, retail projects, restaurants, recreational facilities and single family homes

Assessed Value: $108 million in 2006-07, up from $24 million in 1989; collected tax increment financing revenues through June 30, 2008

Overview: Nestled on the slopes of Oregon's highest mountain peak, Government Camp Village is surrounded by Mt. Hood National Forest, which provides a wide range of year-round recreational opportunities and scenic vistas to residents and visitors. Located an hour from downtown Portland and within a few miles of three heavily-used alpine ski resorts, the community has the potential to be the destination recreational and retail center of Mount Hood.

Economic growth was slow in coming to this community. Over the past four decades a series of small fires, the relocation of Highway 26 around the village core, poor visibility from the highway, minimal infrastructure improvements and inadequate maintenance of public and private facilities have contributed to the slow economic improvement.

Project Map

Project Plan

Project Report

Current Projects

• Building Façade Improvements
  The Agency has assisted business owners interested in improving their building facades to better reflect or achieve the Cascadian architecture style. Seventeen properties have been improved; two additional properties will be upgraded in 2008.
• Multorpor Overpass Replacement
  The existing overpass is being replaced to improve access and safety. Multorpor Drive is also being improved, with new sidewalks, lighting and landscaping. Construction began in March 2007 and is scheduled to be completed in fall 2008.
• Sewer Line Extensions
  The Agency partnered with the Government Camp Sanitary District to construct two line extensions to facilitate new development south of Highway 26 and in the eastern part of the community. Construction is expected to be completed by spring 2008.
• Fire Station Preliminary Design
  A more detailed analysis will be prepared for the preferred site of a new fire station. A new station is needed because of the significant amount of new development and the inadequacy of the existing station.
• Parking Management Plan
  The Agency is developing a plan to facilitate the management of parking in the community. A parking expansion plan will also be completed that provides strategies for the community as the demand for parking space increases.

Completed Projects

• Development Assistance
  The Agency contributed to the cost of installing utilities, fire sprinklers and architectural upgrades to building facades for the 26-acre Collins Lake condominium development. All 128 of the units were completed by the end of 2006. The Agency also contributed to the cost of public parking, sprinkler installation, other public amenities and architectural upgrades for a new mixed-use building on the Government Camp Loop Road - the first new commercial development in the community in many years, with 5,400 square feet of retail space.
• Trail Improvements, Phase I, II and III
  Portions of improvements recommended in the Government Camp Trails Master Plan are being constructed, including improvements to existing trailheads, signage and new trails.
• Construction on approximately nine miles of new, multi-use trails was completed in 2007, including a trail from Timberline Lodge to Government Camp, a trail to the top of Multorpor Mountain and a bike trail to Trilliam Lake. A new parking area and trailhead for Nordic skiers was also completed.
• Maintenance Mechanism
  The Agency investigated options to form a mechanism to provide long-term maintenance for completed projects in the area. A feasibility study in 2003 determined that formation of a maintenance district was the preferred alternative. A district formation plan was referred to voters, and defeated by four votes in May 2004. There may be an opportunity to try to establish a maintenance mechanism in the future.
• Water Main Construction and Fire Safety Improvements
  Approximately 10,200 lineal feet of 8”-12" water line and 20 hydrants were installed to provide fire flows to most of the community, including the new Still Creek development.
• In 2007 a 12-inch water line was placed across Highway 26 at the west intersection to provide adequate water flows for a new subdivision and any other future development in that part of the community.
• Blight Removal
  Debris and old equipment were removed from public and private properties during a community-wide clean-up in fall 1990.
• Improvement of the Barlow Road Marker Public Space
  The Barlow Road monument at the east end of the village center serves as both a tourist attraction and community focal point. Improvements include seating, landscaping, flagpoles and a display kiosk.
• Improvement of Residential Streets
  The project funded streets throughout the community. Existing overhead utilities (electrical, phone, and cable) were placed underground in the core area and on Lige and Meldrum streets to improve the aesthetics of the community and minimize future maintenance of utility lines.
• Installation of Village Entry and Business Directory Signs
  New entrance signs at each end of Government Camp Loop identify Government Camp and invite visitors off Highway 26. The Cascadian-style signs are lighted and surrounded by landscaping. Businesses were also reimbursed for replacing existing business signs with Cascadian themed signs.
• Snow Management
  The Agency supported the development of a community-wide plan for storing snow. The plan includes policies and procedures to be followed by snow removal contractors.
• Geothermal Energy Study
  The Agency completed a study of the availability of geothermal energy sources and the feasibility of their use.
• Design Guidelines
  Core area design guidelines were developed and adopted to provide for implementation of the Cascadian Design theme for new development and redevelopment.
• Employee Housing
  The Agency contributed $240,000 toward construction of a 48-unit complex of affordable housing for area employees.
• Development Incentives Plan
  Completed in November 1999, the plan helped refine and prioritize projects in the revitalization plan, and evaluate private development opportunities and constraints.
• Sanitary District Treatment Plant
  The plant, which was completed in 2000, provides capacity for new development in the community.
• Museum and Cultural Center
  The Agency contributed to a feasibility study for construction of a multi-use facility for community gatherings, classes, events/receptions and exhibits that focus on the history of Government Camp and the Mt. Hood area. The Government Camp Historical Society, with Agency support, purchased and renovated a building for this purpose.
• Trails Master Plan
  The plan identifies improvements needed to the existing trail network to enhance visitors’ experiences of the National Forest.
• Aerial Tram System
  A preliminary Feasibility and Fatal Flaw Analysis for an overhead transportation system on Mt. Hood was completed.
• Urban Transportation System Plan (TSP)
  The Agency developed an urban transportation system plan to determine what, if any, road improvements would be necessary to facilitate community development.
• Loop Road and Core Area Improvements
  Paving the Government Camp Loop Road, completed in 2003, was funded through a $584,000 grant from the Oregon Transportation Investment Act (OTIA). Core area streetscape improvements, completed in 2004, included lighting, landscaping and street furniture, storm drainage and catch basins, and walkways.

Future Projects

• Public Restrooms
  New public restrooms will be constructed in the commercial core area.
• Right Turn at Multorpor Drive
  A new eastbound off ramp will be constructed to facilitate a direct access off Highway 26 to the southern part of the community and the Multorpor ski area.