Expo Advances More Funding for a Much Needed Resource

Many who lived through the Labor day fires used the Expo as a major resource for safety, communication, and shoulders to cry on. The community recognizes this. Jackson County commissioners approved a contract with ORW Architecture of Medford Wednesday for design of a multi-use regional facility at The Expo to be operated by county officials in times of emergency.

The facility will serve as a regional multi-use pandemic response center for Jackson County to house emergency operations during large-scale incidents such as fires or public health emergencies. The city of Central Point also will utilize a portion of the facility for a community center.

Commissioners OK'd spending of $3.8 million for the design portion of the estimated $56 million project.  Commissioner Dave Dotterer said the project was a win for the community.

“It’s a wonderful project, much needed, and the great thing about it is it will be multi-use. It will be principally used as a pandemic center, but it will also be available for use by The Expo for events and also available through a partnership with the city of Central Point as their community center,” he said. “My view is that this is how government should be working together, creating projects that help multiple jurisdictions and provide for multiple uses.” This is a perfect example of thinking about emergencies but beyond that and as a community benefit. 

At CRT, we combine the two: action and community. We’re thrilled that our Commissioners share that vision.