Increase County Revenues Through Infrastructure Improvement

Oregon wineries are creating world renowned products, but, need infrastructure improvements to bring new consumers to local markets. In Yamhill County, the wine industry generates $327.5 million in revenue. That figure makes Yamhill County #1 in the state out of Oregon's 36 counties. Yamhill county is home to 3,578 wine industry jobs (again #1 in Oregon). Further, the wine industry pays $11.4 million in county property taxes each year (the highest level among Oregon counties). Ribbon Ridge sits in the heart of Yamhill county and is one of the most prestigious wine growing regions in Willamette Valley. In spite of these facts, Ribbon Ridge Rd. is only partially paved. Ribbon Ridge is a main artery connecting State Highway 240 to wine country. Completing paving of Ribbon Ridge will connect Ribbon Ridge to Albertson Rd. making a paved roadway to Bald Peak Rd. and through to the greater Portland Metro Area. Completing paving on the entire length of Ribbon Ridge Rd. will increase the amount of consumer traffic significantly to Ribbon Ridge (and the surrounding AVA's) thereby increasing tax revenues back to the county in excess of the cost of completing the paving of the road. We are respectfully requesting that Yamhill county budget the necessary funds from it's public works budget to complete the paving of Ribbon Ridge Rd.