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Large Employer Closer To Big Umatilla Move

    The Umatilla City Council on Tuesday night approved the site plan for a development that will cover the city’s former wastewater spray field.  The council approved the plan forwarded by Lake Fern Properties, LLC, which will lead to the construction of a 90,000 square foot office and warehouse facility that will serve as the future home of RCM Utilities.
    The project includes a 15,000 square foot fabrication and mechanical facility, along with a fueling depot and wash down area.
    The approval is the latest development in the city’s ongoing efforts to create an industrial park on the grounds of its former wastewater facility.  The city had previously entered into a partnership with the City of Eustis that now sees the city’s wastewater pumped south along SR 19 to Eustis, making much of its former wastewater plant property unused.  
    With support from a multi-million dollar state grant, the city is looking to develop the area into an industrial park, with the goal of creating 300 jobs in the coming year.
    RCM, currently located in Eustis, is expected to bring upwards of 150 employees or more to the location in the coming decade.
    The property to be used by RCM sits just west of Golden Gem Drive.  The city had previously sold the land to Phillips Manufacturing, who was going to relocate from Dona Vista into the city, but that company sold, and the new owners backed out of the deal and sold the property back to the city.  RCM, owned by Umatilla Mayor Chris Creech, had previously purchased a smaller parcel in the area, but approached the city about the former spray field, with a new deal approved several months ago.
    “City staff has been over the top helpful in our site plan review process,” Creech said on Tuesday, “and we are excited at the prospect of starting the next phase of construction.”
    While Creech has abstained from any votes or discussion on the RCM development from his mayoral seat, the project has been broadly supported in the community and has received support from the city as well as the business community.
    “We so grateful for businesses like RCM,” said Umatilla Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Charelle Burgess.  “They show community spirit year ‘round from generously supporting our teacher, to helping with community celebrations.  The decision to bring their business into Umatilla is a true testament to their commitment to our city.”
    Creech on Tuesday said the company’s plans to relocate to Umatilla will proceed as quickly as possible.
    “Our current goal is to be moving into the new building by the end of 2026.  Everything is moving forward, and we have not had any bumps in the road to date.”      The city is constructing a road to the back of the property that will serve as access to any trucks or heavy equipment coming to the location, and Creech said that city project appears to be progressing at a good rate and will be in place ahead of RCM’s arrival.
    RCM Utilities provides a wide range of utility construction and maintenance services, specializing in underground utility projects related to water and wastewater.